Originally from Bagnols-sur-Cèze, the writer Pierre de Cordova released his first book, “Le jour de l’oraison”. Now working in Paris in a socio-cultural center, he is a writer in his spare time.
What universe are you taking us into with your book? The day of prayer ?
We follow the narrator who, after being left by his wife, dies of pain. While he is in his coffin and between two worlds, he writes his orations (eulogy delivered by a loved one during the funeral). For fear that his funeral would be missed, and to have his ex-wife read his prayers, he decides to be resurrected.
Did you draw inspiration from one of your romantic experiences?
I would have liked to tell you that it is autobiographical but that is not the case. The idea came to me when I saw the painting A funeral in Ornans by Gustave Courbet. I found that the funerals depicted were very successful. I deduced that if they can be successful, they can obviously be failed and I find that terrible.
Was it a challenge to write a book mixing theatrical and poetic writing?
I wanted to collide literary genres. I wanted to integrate haikus because, in one glance, you can read the entire thing. And then I have a particular affection for poetry. I also wanted to add theatrical writing to make the subject of death lighter, with some humorous moments.
“I remain very attached to Bagnols-sur-Cèze and Midi Libre”
As a Bagnolais resident, have you decided to put the Gard in the spotlight?
In the book I mention Occitanie with some references from Paul Valéry, so we are closer to the Montpellier Hérault Sport Club than to Nîmes Olympique (laughing). But I remain very attached to Bagnols-sur-Cèze and Midi Libre. I can still see the red newspaper lying on the coffee table in my grandparents’ living room. The Gard Rhone is my entire childhood.
When writing, was there a chapter that gave you a hard time?
I have a particular attachment to the part on the resurrection. The narrator is free again and I had more creative writing. Overall it is a book for emotional people who like to read. I want readers to be able to laugh and a few lines later to be moved.
What are your next deadlines?
I will continue to do some gatherings like the poetry fair. I am also writing a book which has no connection with the Gard because the main theme will be about snow!
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