Meet the author Mathieu Diez

Tue 6 Oct at 17.00
Books & Ideas
Talks

Join us for a special event with Mathieu Diez, author of the graphic novel Tout mais pas Beyrouth, and discover the story of how his years in Lebanon became a powerful graphic narrative.

In this deeply personal and compelling work, Mathieu Diez recounts his experience of moving to Beirut with his family in 2021 to work within the French cultural and diplomatic network. Over four extraordinary years, he discovered a city and a country marked by economic crisis, the aftermath of the devastating port explosion, and the impact of war, but also by remarkable energy, resilience and humanity.

Part travel diary, part personal memoir and part chronicle of contemporary Lebanon, Tout mais pas Beyrouth offers a sensitive, honest and often humorous portrait of Beirut and its people. Written by Mathieu Diez and illustrated by artist Jibé, the book brings together everyday life, cultural encounters and the complex realities of a country living through a turbulent period of its history.

  • Language: In French, a minimum B2 level is recommended
  • Price: Free admission for members | £7 non-members
  • Duration: 1h

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Passionate about comics from an early age, Mathieu Diez has spent much of his career promoting literature and graphic storytelling. In 2005, he founded the Lyon BD Festival, helping to develop it into an important celebration of comics and graphic literature. He later worked in Lebanon, where he was involved in cultural initiatives and served as an attaché for books and ideas within the French cultural network in Beirut. He was also closely involved with Beyrouth Livres, a major literary festival.

Tout mais pas Beyrouth, published by Delcourt in 2026, is his first graphic novel. It transforms his years in Lebanon into a vivid and moving story, one that explores not only the challenges of living through uncertain times, but also the beauty, humour and extraordinary spirit of Beirut.

 
London