Jean Echenoz is a prominent French novelist whose works, frequently translated into English, are marked by a unique stylistic approach. His writing is characterized by its elegance and keen observation of human nature. Through his narratives, Echenoz explores various facets of existence with a sense of lightness and playfulness. His ability to capture the essence of characters and situations makes him a distinctive voice in contemporary French literature.
Gerard Fulmard's journey from disgraced flight attendant to private detective leads him into a chaotic political group rife with infighting. Initially hired as an enforcer, he becomes entangled with a corrupt faction, ultimately finding himself coerced into assassinating the party leader. As he navigates this treacherous landscape, his situation spirals further out of control, highlighting themes of ambition, betrayal, and the dark underbelly of political machinations.
Ravel is a beguiling and original evocation of the last ten years in the life of the musical genius Ravel, written by novelist Jean Echenoz. The book opens in 1928 as Maurice Ravel—dandy, eccentric, curmudgeon—crosses the Atlantic abroad the luxury liner the SS France to begin his triumphant grand tour of the United States. A “master magician of the French novel” (The Washington Post), Echenoz captures the folly of the era as well as its genius, including Ravel’s personal life—sartorially and socially splendid—as well as his most successful compositions from 1927 to 1937. Illuminated by flashes of Echenoz’s characteristically sly humor, Ravel is a delightfully quirky portrait of a famous musician coping with the ups and downs of his illustrious career. It is also a beautifully written novel that’s a deeply touching farewell to a dignified and lonely man going reluctantly into the night.
The narrative explores the life of Emil Zátopek, a remarkable Czech runner whose journey unfolds amid the backdrop of Soviet liberation and post-WWII communist Czechoslovakia. Initially dismissive of athletics, Zátopek's unexpected entry into a footrace ignites a profound passion for long-distance running, showcasing his determination and the physical boundaries he pushes. Jean Echenoz's prose captures both the triumphs and struggles of Zátopek's career, offering a compelling portrait of a sporting icon.
'I'm off', says Félix Ferrer to his wife. 'I'm leaving you'. And closing the door on their suburban home, Ferrer, a creature of appetite, impulse and habit, a man of our times, embarks on a journey to the extremes. A man at Ferrer's time of life should be starting to treat himself - and his heart - carefully, not living the bachelor life in the Paris atelier that doubles as his art gallery. Not weighing up every girl he sees. Not ignoring his doctor's warnings to avoid the very hot and the very cold. And certainly not making for the North Pole in pursuit of a rare cargo of Inuit artefacts.Soon, back from the merciless Arctic, packed with ex-girlfriends, anxious artists and suspicious creditors, Paris in the summer begins to feel very hot indeed for Ferrier...In One Year Victoire wakes up one morning to find her boyfriend lying dead beside her. Not wanting to be caught with a corpse, she packs her bags, raids her bank account and makes off, randomly, for the Southwest. And when she has lost her belongings, her money, her looks and almost herself - one year later - the coast is clear for her to come back to Paris. But nothing prepares her for the shock of what greets her return...
Louis Meyer is an overworked aerospace engineer looking forward to a week-long
vacation on the Mediterranean. DeMilo is an astronaut and self-proclaimed
ladies man whose behavior borders on the obsessive and voyeuristic. When a
series of coincidences and disastersincluding a devastating earthquake in
Marseillesbrings them together on a spacecraft with an aloof woman they are
both strongly attracted to, the two mens flaws and shortcomings emerge as they
engage in an underhanded competition to win her over. Brimming with Jean
Echenozs inimitable humor, We Three is both a satirical take on the adventure
novel and
He awakes in a hotel that might be a hospital or might be something else much more mysterious. His nurses bear an uncanny resemblance to Dean Martin and Peggy Lee and explain to him that there are certain rules to be obeyed on his return to Paris- the most important being that he must lose his old identity entirely. Defying the regulations, Max struggles to retrieve pieces of his former life, and although followed by watchers from 'the hotel' he feels livelier than he did when he was alive. PIANO can be read as a metaphor of life and death, of heaven and hell. The question is- Which is which?
Originally published in France, this book offers a unique perspective on its themes and narrative style. The author explores intricate character dynamics and societal issues, presenting a thought-provoking story that resonates with readers. Set against a rich historical backdrop, it invites contemplation and discussion, making it a significant addition to contemporary literature.
Exploring the obsession with fame, the story follows renowned singer Gloire Stella, who vanishes from the public eye, prompting a documentary producer to search for her. As Gloire evades capture, the narrative unfolds across diverse locations, from Brittany's cliffs to Bombay's alleys, blending dark comedy with a thrilling adventure. This tale offers a satirical yet chilling commentary on television stardom and the myths surrounding beauty and celebrity.
The author takes us on a journey across radically different places and landscapes, giving free rein to a terrific sense of humor tinged with existential mishcief.
Winner of France’s prestigious Prix Goncourt and a runaway bestseller, Jean Echenoz’s I’m Gone is the ideal introduction to the sly wit, unique voice, and colorful imagination of “the master magician of the contemporary French novel” (The Washington Post). Nothing less than a heist caper, an Arctic adventure story, a biting satire of the art world, and a meditation on love and lust and middle age all rolled into one fast-paced, unpredictable, and deliriously entertaining novel, I’m Gone tells the story of an urbane art and antiques dealer who abandons his wife and career to pursue a memorably pathetic international crime spree. “Crisp and erudite” (The Wall Street Journal), “seductive and delicately ironic” (The Economist), and with an unexpected sting in its tail, I’m Gone—translated by Mark Polizzotti—is a dazzling, postmodern subversion of narrative conventions and an amused look at the absurdities of modern life. With a wink and a nod and a keen eye for the droll detail, Echenoz invites the reader “to enjoy I’m Gone in the same devil-may-care spirit in which it is offered” (The Boston Sunday Globe).
