In Canoes, Maylis de Kerangal explores the haunting, transformative power of voice through the eyes of a young Parisian woman navigating life in rural Colorado. Seven interconnected stories, brimming with wit and intimacy, reveal how language and voice shape identity, obsession, and connection. 

In Eastbound, a Russian conscript and a French woman cross paths on the Trans-Siberian railroad, each fleeing to the east for their own reasons.

This conversation will be moderated by Donatien Grau, Head of Contemporary Programs at the Musée du Louvre.

About the speakers: 

Maylis de Kerangal is the author of numerous novels, collections of short stories, novellas and narratives, published with Verticales, including Naissance d’un pont (Prix Médicis 2010), Tangente vers l’est (Prix Landerneau 2012), Réparer les vivants (2014), Un monde à portée de main (2018) and Canoës (2021). Her books are translated into thirty-six languages.

Donatien Grau is a long-time friend and conversation-partner of Maylis de Kerangal. In his previous position as Head of Contemporary Programs at the Musée d’Orsay, he collaborated with the author on her 2019-2020 residence as well as on the 2021 exhibition of Maylis de Kerangal and Jean-Philippe Delhomme, « Légendes des réserves ».

Important information: The discussion will be available both online and in person. While the conversation will happen in person (the speakers will appear in the Reading Room), the Library will stream the conversation on Zoom for a live viewing experience. Both in-person and online attendees will be able to pose questions.

Attendance at this event constitutes permission for your photograph or video to be taken at the event and used by the American Library in Paris for marketing, promotional, pedagogical, or other purposes.