Revealing the picture 'bit by bit'

 

“Something happens between a novel and its reader which is similar to the process of developing photographs, the way they did it before the digital age.  The photograph, as it was printed in the darkroom, became visible bit by bit.  As you read your way through a novel, the same chemical process takes place.” – Patrick Modiano

 

Born in France on this date in 1945, Nobel Prize in Literature winner Modiano’s analogy of the development of the novel “before our eyes” also gives us a look into his writing style.  He lets the picture slowly appear, sometimes leaving us startled, sometimes satisfied, sometimes angry, but always interested in what’s coming next.  

 

His novels delve into the puzzle of identity in ways seldom seen.   And, he tackles a time in France – the German occupation during World War II – that evokes both heroism and shame depending on the point of view from which tale is being told.  Although Modiano’s works have been translated into more than 30 languages, most had not been available in English before he was awarded the Nobel in 2014.  His newest book La Danseuse, published in French is just out in the English translation.

 

He said he has never found writing, especially novels, to be easy.  “You have this dream of what you want to create," he said, "but it is like walking around a swimming pool and hesitating to jump in because the water is too cold.”