Pierre Lemaitre I The Seva Nova Work
The French author Pierre Lemaitre, known for his contribution to the genre of black novel, and, more recently, to historical literature, presents his latest work, ‘A radiant future’. Quoting Victor Hugo, Lemaitre invites us to reflect on the veracity of literary narratives, with a tribute to great masters such as Zola and Proust, as well as contemporary figures like John Le Carré.
A narrative between two cities
In this novel, which comes to bookstores thanks to the translation of Núria Busquet Molist, Lemaitre transports us to 1959, in the context of the Cold War. The story focuses on the Pelletier family, which sails between Paris and Prague, each member facing dilemmas between their personal aspirations and the demands of the political moment.
A tribute to the narrative of the past
Lemaitre claims its affiliation with the tradition of 19th -century brochure, emphasizing that this narrative form is the basis of many current audiovisual productions. In his opinion, the technique of leaving the reader in suspense is fundamental, and this is not a simple plagiarism of modern series.
Reflections on the present through the past
The author uses the history of the pelletier to explore the political polarization that characterized the Cold War, establishing parallels with the current political reality. Lemaitre expresses his concern about what he considers a reactivation of this global tension between great powers, with nuclear weapons turned into threat symbols.
A portrait of colonization
The plot focuses on a family of French settlers in Lebanon, a country that, according to Lemaitre, has been behind in history. With this choice, the author seeks to avoid nostalgia associated with the colonial past, although he acknowledges that the echo of these years endures in today’s society, with inevitable references to contemporary neocolonialist speeches.
The glorious years and family dynamics
In ‘A radiant future’, Lemaitre presents the Pelletier family as a microcosm that reflects the social and political tensions of the 20th century. When asked which character is his favorite, the author maintains the mystery, saying that, as a creator, he is considered the father of all of them, but with a favorite child he prefers not to reveal.
A work that resonates with the present
With ‘a radiant future’, Lemaitre offers not only a narrative of family conflicts, but also a deep reflection on the intersection between history and politics. His work, which can already be found in bookstores, invites readers to consider the lessons of the past as we navigate through the challenges of the present.
