French Literary Conversations Explore the Enduring Need to Believe

A significant literary event in France recently gathered several prominent authors to discuss the theme of belief and its role in contemporary life. The discussion, moderated by Augustin Trapenard, showcased works exploring faith and existential questions. Javier Cercas presented his novel "Le Fou de Dieu au bout du monde," while Matthieu Ricard introduced his reflective book "Lumière." Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt contributed with insights from "La Traversée des temps - Les Deux Royaumes," and Cécile Guilbert discussed her exploration of the theme in "Feux sacrés." Additionally, Rebeka Warrior shared perspectives from her work "Toutes les vies." The event also featured a notable exchange between Trapenard and Robert Badinter, emphasizing the ongoing importance of belief in today’s society. This gathering illustrated the rich and diverse literary engagement with faith, existentialism, and personal meaning among contemporary French writers, affording the public an insightful look into why belief remains a profound and necessary element in human life.