“With words, light up the day”

You just published Four seasons. A year of French language. Make our mouths water…

It is an ephemeris, a collection of quotes, games, definitions designed to bring sweetness and comfort every day of the year.

What does this book reveal about you?

My attraction to words, especially those that are rare or need to be saved. I have an easy time memorizing them and am attentive to their different facets, to the beauty of their assembly. My classroom is decorated with giant Robert crosswords.

Your latest literary crush?

The summer I disappeared, by Agnes Columbus. The story of a young girl suffering from an eating disorder. When she finds friends who ignore her, she plunges back into her past. A book you can’t put down!

The book you could reread a hundred times?

A simple heart, by Gustave Flaubert, the story of Félicité, a devoted servant. I admire the chiseled language work.

A character you dream of playing?

Solal, in Beautiful of the Lord, by Albert Cohen. I was captivated by this flamboyant character, with extraordinary charisma. I gave the oldest of my four children his first name.

The person who meant the most in your family?

My mother, who inspired me and gave me the joy of living. She worked in National Education and read a book a day. My father committed suicide when I was 5, and she was incredibly strong.

The Proust madeleine from your childhood?

My grandparents’ house in Bernin, near Grenoble, and the apple pie made by Mémé! It was a place that gave off reassuring vibes.

A quality that you will be proud to pass on to your children?

Rigor. Oh ! no, it reminds me too much of my school reports! Enthusiasm! I like this word from the Greek theos, meaning God.

A gesture of happy sobriety?

To marvel at nothing. Seeing pareidolia, that is, recognizing facial features in what surrounds us, clouds, trees, etc.

Guardian angel on your shoulder?

My father or my grandparents. But I definitely have one. As soon as I have a problem, I know it will be resolved!

Jesus is…

A savior I would have liked to believe in. It is linked to hope, to the gift of oneself.