Four hundred and fifty authors, 18 Var bookstore partners, 150 events (conferences, workshops, debates, etc.) over three days, from November 22 to 24, 42,000 visitors expected under a large barn of 3,000 m2…
The figures are impressive and the term literary festivities is well chosen. “ Words that sound noble always contain beautiful images », wrote Marcel Pagnola heritage author dear to Provence, to whom the event organized by the Department of Var pays tribute, in particular through a meeting, a writing competition for middle school students which will reward a class, an escape game, and an inspired artistic fresco by his poetic universe.
In the city of Raimu, this regional card should become a master asset.
“Marcel Pagnol is the liberation from social constraints, it is the liberation of love, it is freedom, and above all he is someone who made people want to read through his works », Says Véronique Lenoir, vice-president of the Department in charge of culture, alongside President Jean-Louis Masson.
A notion of freedom that the latter strived to resonate through the celebrations of the 80e anniversary of the landing in Provence.
Guests in the spotlight
This 27e edition of the Var Book Festival will not lack words, images, freedom of tone or spirit, in a wide diversity of genres and escapism, historical novels, current affairs, comics, youth, thrillers. Just like the specialty of honorary president, Bernard Miniermaestro of the black ink novel. Benefiting from an international aura since his thriller “Glacé” in 2011, he comes to present his latest novel event, “Les Effacées”.
Four guests of honor will also “star”:
- Véronique Olmi for “The Courage of the Innocents”, on social assistance for children, a subject totally linked to the mission of the Department;
- Dorothée Olliéric for “Maman s’en va-en guerre”, an autobiographical book on the life of this mother, a great reporter in conflict zones;
- Yann Queffélec, Breton, very popular throughout France, for “La Méduse Noire” which evokes a destiny of broken youth against the backdrop of the Algerian war;
- et the Varois Julien Sandrelfor “A Lot of Love and a Few Ashes”, a plot that takes five strangers on a treasure hunt in California.
© O.Réal – A particularly popular event on the Place d’Armes in Toulon.
First-time novelists or established authors, French and foreign, there will be many of them at the party, including some future winners of the Var Readers’ Prize in three categories, adult literature, children’s literature, comics, but also Marine ink price of the maritime prefect admiral for the Mediterranean. Among the qualitative meetings, at the end of the day on Saturday, a day dedicated to numerous meetings and conferences, also includes a reading performance by Daniel Picouly, alone on stage for 65 minutes, from 6 to 7 p.m..
This Var Book Festival always takes place following the awarding of literary prizes and a little before Christmas. History of giving both desires and ideas to everyone. “ He who is able to feel passion is he who can inspire it » (Pagnol)…
