David Foenkinos “When I was young, I was obsessed with being funny”

You publish I’m funny. In a few words, make our mouths water…

It’s the story of a young man, Gustave Bonsoir, who is convinced that he is funny. Unfortunately, apart from him, no one seems to be really convinced of this. Until his life turns upside down…

What does this character reveal about you?

I write novels, but it is often after publication that I realize their personal dimension. I was this young man obsessed with the idea of ​​being funny, probably to be liked. Then, I put more seriousness and melancholy in my books, to the point of writing The delicacy (2009) and Charlotte (2014).

Your latest humorous crush?

Laura Felpin, surely the current comedian who makes me laugh the most.

The last time you laughed?

When I was invited to Camille Combal’s show on NRJ.

A book you could reread a hundred times?

Beautiful of the Lord, by Albert Cohen. I’ve read it four times already. So I have ninety-six left!

What will you never tire of looking at?

It’s a bit cliché, but I’ll say: my children.

The Proust madeleine from your childhood?

Meatballs cooked by my grandmother.

A gene you’re happy to have inherited?

Humor, above all.

A hidden talent?

The padel. You know, it’s tennis for the over-50s!

You have three days, a backpack and no car. Where are you going?

In Italy, eat pasta.

We offer you an hour of silence. What do you do with it?

I immerse myself in a book.

A solidarity initiative that touched you?

I am impressed by the actions of the Bibliothèques sans frontières association, which offers, among other things, moments of culture to the most deprived.

You meet Pope Leo. What question is burning on your lips?

How can you stay simple while being a global star?

The people you pray for?

My children, my parents, my loved ones, the woman I love, her children.

For you, Jesus, it is…

A symbol of peace.