When we talk about French literature, who comes to mind? The works of Simone de Beauvoir or Jean-Paul Sartre? Or the works of Albert Camus and Gustave Flaubert that social studies and humanities students read in their curriculum? Or maybe a book by Victor Hugo or Marcel Proust?
If you look closely, you can see a pattern here. All of these writers are great French figures and authors of books known as iconic classics.
So why, even in the 21st century, are most of the French writers we know already deceased?
There is a clear gap when it comes to the availability of modern French literature in India. The French Institute of India is trying to counter this with an initiative called ‘Pardon My French!’
Gregor Tormel, cultural counselor and director of the French Institute in India, said: Our mission is to promote and present French books translated into English and Indian regional languages, and to make them accessible to a wide audience who can appreciate these works as much as we do. ”
Through this program, the French Institute in India has handpicked 150 books, ranging from creative fiction and non-fiction to easy-to-read, universally themed, and award-winning works, to make them available to Indian readers. We offer a wide variety of titles. The institute also works with publishers to include widely read French books that have been translated into 44 languages, Tormel added.
Translated titles include newer contemporary titles such as Michel Houellebecq’s Atomized, Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, Muriel Barbery’s Hedgehog Elegance, and Maryse Condé’s The Gospel According to the New World. In addition to voices, it also includes critically acclaimed books.
The program has already been launched at Alliance Française in Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, Varanasi, Chandigarh and Pondicherry and will be expanded to other cities where the French Institute has a network.
Interestingly, the French Institute in India also collaborates with independent bookstores. Julia Trouilleux, Librarian of the French Institute in India, who spearheaded the programme, said: Because there was no relationship with bookstore owners who actually recommended or promoted books to readers. We realized that we needed to start this conversation somewhere… Our readers are interested, but they know very little about contemporary French literature. Even Annie Ernaux, winner of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature, is still unknown to many readers. ”
Cultivating community
The aim of this initiative is also to foster a community of readers, which is a particular focus of the French Institute in India. This is another reason why they wanted to join the bookstore.
Trumell says: “French literature has always symbolized diversity and accessibility. It is not limited to a single aspect of identity and is intended to be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. We want to make lasting connections with people who share our passion.”
Places like Kunzum, one of the bookstores participating in this program, have also been doing this on an in-house level for some time. Ajay Jain, founder of Kunzum Bookstores, said that when he first opened his store, he wanted to be more than just a retailer and develop a space where people from all walks of life could come together and explore literature without barriers. Masu.
As part of this program, bookstore shelves like Kunzum will have dedicated sections for French literature. Jayne said: “We want our readers to discover more books by browsing freely and by interacting with us. “I want people to discover more books than just read them.”
Promoting reading culture
But those driving this effort don’t want it to become just a one-off.
Mr. Trouiroux said he plans to continue expanding his network of bookstores to bring contemporary French literature into Indian living rooms. They plan to organize workshops for booksellers to exchange ideas and innovative approaches on further developing French book reading culture in India.
This is something Trumel also mentioned in his conversation with FE. He believes that encouraging a culture of reading for pleasure needs to start by fostering relationships between readers, booksellers, and authors.
With this in mind, bookstores participating in this initiative welcome French writers and artists when they visit India and encourage readers to interact with them to maintain their interest in French literature. Jain says it’s a plan.
