French Edition of L'amie

The Exceptional Story of a Thirty-Year Friendship Between Two Writers

Marguerite, seated as usual, petite in stature, at the large table in the central room overlooking the park. One can only see her head and shoulders peeking out. She speaks aloud, but as if to herself: "There is no novel without love. In my books, love is there from the outset, but it is not written as love, but as a scandal, in its impact on society, which is phenomenal like the plague, like fire." She alternates between a complicit tone and a magisterial one. "I don't like the disillusioned. You can be desperate, but not disillusioned."

The friend in question is Marguerite Duras, whom we discover here not only in her intimacy but also more deeply in her work. Seated at the large table in the central room, with a view of the park, Marguerite's small stature is immediately apparent. As she speaks, her voice carries a duality – at times confiding, at others authoritative.

"Love is always present in my novels," she muses, "but not as love itself. Rather, it is depicted as a scandal, with a profound impact on society, akin to the ravages of a plague or a fire." This paradoxical approach to the representation of love is a hallmark of Duras's writing.

She goes on to express her distaste for the "disillusioned," arguing that one can be desperate, but never truly disillusioned. This contrast between despair and disillusionment suggests a nuanced understanding of the human condition, one that is reflected in the depth and complexity of her literary work.

Through this rare glimpse into Marguerite Duras's intimate thoughts and creative process, the reader is granted a unique opportunity to engage with the mind of a master storyteller. The thirty-year friendship that frames this encounter serves as a testament to the enduring power of artistic collaboration and the profound connections that can arise between fellow writers.

In this exceptional narrative, the reader is invited to witness the interplay between Duras's public persona and her private musings, as she navigates the intricate relationship between love, society, and the art of storytelling. The result is a captivating exploration of the creative spirit, one that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

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