Jean-Yves Bouchaud, writer in Champtoceaux (delegated commune of Orée-d'Anjou), publishes “Des cœurs tendres”, his 12e work. He explains the mechanisms behind it.
What universe did you explore in this new novel?
Jean-Yves Bouchaud: “In “Tender Hearts”, I offer the reader a humanist thriller which begins in a prison unit for people with mental disorders. I question normality. And, therefore, what is abnormality? »
In general your works take place locally, is this also the case for this latest novel?
“My characters travel from Paris to Moscow, but one of them lives on our territory: he works in Ancenis, his mother returns to the Champtoceaux nursing home while its closure is being considered. »
How do you construct your novels?
“I don’t always know what’s going to happen, I let myself be carried away by my characters. I get attached to some. I have a lot of fun writing. In this latest novel my characters may be bullies but they have a tender heart: Gaspard Gerfaud, a regular resident of psychiatric institutions, is in some way a murderer through bad luck; Jacky Pierrefeu, a naive sixty-year-old, author of a heinous crime, wants to find his only love, his mother; Alexei, amnesiac, former billionaire oligarch, perhaps holds the key to their salvation. »
What inspires you to write?
“I escape, I travel in my writing and, depending on the themes covered, I document myself. For this latest novel I researched oligarchs, how they came to power, in particular. »
Since your first works, what are your favorite themes?
“I started by writing historical novels set in the Middle Ages, in the 15the century, in the 18eduring the Vendée wars. There was a fantasy novel where the story takes place in 2031. It is the book “The Injustices of God”, a fiction written from nine Gospel words. I also wrote a wacky play. »
Where can we find your books?
“We can find them in Champtoceaux, in Dé niche. You can also order them on the Internet, shipping is free. »
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Jean-Yves Bouchaud will sign his books at the La Cohue bar, on the Champtoceaux church square, Saturday January 11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.