Do you want me to tell you about this one? In the aisles of the Grand Théâtre de Tours, Saturday November 16, 2024, books are in the spotlight, on the occasion of the fifth edition of the Book Fair. A moment of meeting between the 31 invited authors and the readers, who came in large numbers. Among the most popular signings, those of Philippe Besson, Aurélie Valognes or Laure Manel, where the queues to obtain the precious sesame lengthen.
“They are interesting people who like to read”
Like in front of Aurélie Dupont’s stand. The books of the former prima ballerina, now author, are finding their audience. Including Maëlle, Mikaël and their daughter Suzanne, 11 years old, who came as a family to meet the author. “We come expressly for her”explains Maëlle. And for good reason: Suzanne, a young dancer at the conservatory, wants to give the former dancer who became a writer the article The New Republic from their meeting a few days earlier.
Patricia hopes to meet the novelist Laure Manel. “There is a book in particular, I want to know if it will be published in print”she confides. This salon regular, capable of devouring two books a week, likes to take advantage of meetings to talk about literature: “The authors are always very nice. »
“The welcome is magnificent, the rooms splendid and the public very engaged. They are interesting people who love to read. It's not all salonssmiles Karin Hann behind her stand, where many historical novels with plots set in the Ancien Régime are displayed, from Catherine de Medici to Olympe de Gouges. I went up to the French Revolution. »
Another darling of the show and guest of honor of the 2024 edition: Aurélie Valognes, whose books have sold several thousand copies. “I've read almost all of them.slips Améline, arms full of books, waiting to have them signed. We drove an hour to come see her. I brought my favorite books. » She shows her copy ofBy car Simone, “which made me laugh a lot”and Born under a lucky star, “who spoke to me a lot because I am a teacher”.
Novelist Aurélie Valognes meets readers during the Tours Book Fair, Saturday November 16, 2024.
© (Photo NR, Hugues Le Guellec)
“It’s really fun reading. There is always humor and always a story”continues Améline. “Yes, there is a side where everyone can relate”adds Angélique, next to her in line.
“We’re talking about books”
For authors too, the show allows them to meet readers face to face. “We talk a lot about books, I present what I have written, we talk about writing in general”details the thriller author Martial Caroff.
And to deliver to them the famous dedication, which will adorn the first pages of the passionate reader's work. A little word that will seal their bond with the writer. “For me, it’s an inspiration that comes to me, quite spontaneous, exactly like a title”explains the writer Laurent Malot.
