Jean-Yves Laurichesse: Writing between memory and fiction

A Professor of Modern and Contemporary French Literature with a string of publications on such authors as Jean Giono, Claude Simon and Richard Millet, Jean-Yves Laurichesse brought out his first novel in 2008: a further ten books have followed. His novels are short and apparently straightforward: their realism shades into mystery. In some he explores family history through letters, documents and most recently through extracts of an unpublished novel written by his father (Le destin d’un poète, 2025). He is inspired by particular places which his writing transforms. Some are real:  Paris and Perpignan, Corrèze and Haute-Provence. Some are imagined: two of his novels are based on paintings by Bruegel. Written in clear, fresh prose, Laurichesse’s works are warm-hearted and accessible, tinged with melancholy, wedded to a profound belief in the importance of literature and art.

Join us for an evening of readings and conversation on these and other topics as we discuss Jean-Yves’s inspirations and influences, his evolution as a novelist and his thoughts on the art of writing today.