The disappearance of Bernard Pivot sparked a wave of emotion throughout the country as far as Chanceaux-près-Loches, where, in the organizing committee of the Forêt des Livres, we remember his participation in the 12e edition of the literary event, in 2007. Bernard Pivot, came to sign his book The Wine Lovers Dictionary published by Plon. He had just been elected to the Goncourt academy, which he would then chair from 2014 to 2019.
In Chanceaux-près-Loches, Bernard Pivot, who came to dedicate his “Wine Lovers Dictionary”, had great popular success.
© Photo archives Philippe Maille
That year, the big signing under the trees of Chanceaux-près-Loches also welcomed, among the 150 writers, former Prime Minister Édith Cresson, Frédéric Beigbeder, Roger Hanin, Éric Fottorino and many others.
His contact was precious to many…
“His presence was for Gonzague the sign of great recognition”remembers Christian Panvert, journalist and co-organizer of Writers at Gonzague Saint-Bris, which succeeded the Forêt des Livres, after the disappearance of its founder.
“I remember that he was sometimes uncomfortable to see so many people on his stand, while the recognized writers he had hosted in his shows were less successful”, notes Christian Panvert. On this occasion, Bernard Pivot was in great demand by young authors and those in charge of publishing houses. “For everyone, having such privileged contact with him was obviously very precious. Some were very stressed. It felt like their careers might depend on it.”remembers Christian Panvert.
A tribute will be paid to him in Chanceaux on August 25
Bernard Pivot had “really liked the eclecticism of the event” and he had entrusted to Christian Panvert “how happy it was that the demonstration continued after Gonzague’s death, thanks to the dedication of the team and volunteers. He promised us to come back with his daughter.”
A special tribute will be paid to Bernard Pivot during the next edition of Écrivains chez Gonzague, on Sunday August 25, 2024.
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