Philippe Forest: «You can never say anything about certain extreme experiences».»7 reading minutes

Le Regard Libre N° 37 - Loris S. Musumeci

Philippe Forest is a man of letters renowned for his extensive knowledge of the subject. He is a professor of literature and a contributor to prestigious magazines such as NRF. Since the death of his daughter, Pauline, taken from her life at an early age by cancer, Philippe Forest has begun to write novels, linking the process of mourning to that of writing. After several major successes, such as his first novel, L'Enfant éternel (1997), and Sarinagara (2004), the author now turns to a novelistic reflection on forgetting. We met him in Fribourg.

Loris S. Musumeci: Vous écrivez dans vos premières pages: «J’aurais mieux aimé le silence à l’histoire qui commence ici.» Pourquoi raconter une histoire à laquelle votre personnage aurait préféré le silence?

Philippe Forest: Peut-être parce que les histoires qui comptent se