By: Aanya with inputs by Amit KumaR Agarwal
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Alliance Française de Delhi, The French Institute in India and Alliance Française du Bengale organized a special literary evening with acclaimed French author & director David Foenkinos, in conversation with Manasi Subramaniam, Penguin Random House India.
The special literary evening saw a very engaging discussion that delved into the Language of Love - an exploration of emotions, relationships, and the power of storytelling in capturing the essence of human connection. Foenkinos, known for his heartfelt narratives, shared insights into his works and the way love is expressed through literature, offering a deeper understanding of its place in his creative process.
The discussion was followed by a special signing session by David Foenkonis.
Amit kumaR Agarwal, founder and editor-in-chief of the news-portal, Bhaarat Bol News, attended the literary evening, both to present two of the four books he authored to France's one of the best selling authors as well as get the books by David.
In a Q&A session, the questions flowed freely, answered by David in his distinct wit blended intellect.
Amit asked David about his least favorite book of the 20-books he has authored. The question left David flummoxed, because "normally journalists ask me, what is your favorite book," smiled David.
David said that his first book is his least favorite, because it was just his start and he feels that he could have brought in the emotions in the book a lot better, "reason you won't find a paperback edition of my first book, as they are cheaper to buy," David stated matter-of-factly.
The evening saw many diplomats and creatives discussing books and engaging in meaningful talks.
About David Foenkonis
David Foenkinos is a renowned French novelist, screenwriter, and director, widely recognized for his insightful and often humorous explorations of human relationships. Born on October 28, 1974, in Paris, he studied literature and music before embarking on a successful literary career.
Foenkinos gained widespread acclaim with La Délicatesse (2009), a bestselling novel that was later adapted into a film starring Audrey Tautou and François Damiens. His work is characterized by a blend of sensitivity, wit, and elegant prose that captivates readers worldwide.
Over the years, he has published numerous novels, including Les Souvenirs (2011), Charlotte (2014) -which won the prestigious Prix Renaudot and the Prix Goncourt des Lycéens - Numéro Deux (2022), a novel that reimagines the alternate fate of a young actor who narrowly missed the role of Harry Potter, and his most recent work, Tout le monde aime Clara (2024). This latest novel delves into the power of celebrity and social fascination, exploring how an ordinary woman becomes the center of worldwide attention.
Beyond literature, Foenkinos has also made a mark in cinema, co-directing three films with his brother Stéphane Foenkinos. Their first collaboration, La Délicatesse (2011), brought his novel to the big screen with great success. They followed this with Jalouse (2017), a sharp and touching portrait of a woman struggling with jealousy, starring Karin Viard. Their most recent film, Les Fantasmes (2021), is a bold and humorous exploration of human desires, featuring an ensemble cast including Monica Bellucci and Carole Bouquet.
With his signature blend of humor and emotion, David Foenkinos continues to be a leading voice in contemporary French literature and cinema, captivating audiences with stories that resonate deeply with the complexities of life and human nature.