“I realized that many books spoke of the power of literature in our lives,” Bérénice Bejo told us about the works selected for the Closerie des Lilas literary prize, during an interview the day before ceremony. The prize, whose jury and winners are exclusively female, was awarded on Thursday April 25 to Arièle Butaux for her novel “Le Cratère”, published in March by Sabine Wespieser.
“Every time I dive back into a book, it’s a way of getting out of myself and opening up to others. To meet new stories, new cultures, new things,” insists the actress. Nominated for an Oscar in 2012 for her performance in “The Artist”, Bérénice Bejo plays the main role in the Netflix thriller, “Sous la Seine”, expected on June 5, 2024. However, her interest in storytelling goes far beyond her career as an actress. ‘actress. At 47, she is also deeply passionate about literature. “I was really struck by this year’s selection and how much literature saves, saves us. ” Encounter.
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SHE. – What is the last book you read?
Bérénice Bejo. – “The Mother’s Workers”, by Victor Hugo. I don’t know anything about the sea or boats, but it’s fantastic to discover a new vocabulary, it’s an opening. Getting into a story, connecting with the characters, it’s wonderful.
SHE. – A book that you have read more than once?
BB – None. There’s too much to read, I’m still too young. I’ll reread it when I’m older, I’m making progress there.
SHE. – A book that made you laugh?
BB – Full. But the last one perhaps is “Rare Earths”, by Sandro Veronesi. There is a scene where the main character, who always gets into trouble, finally falls in love. He has a meeting with this woman at the Louvre museum, but he is stressed, his stomach hurts, he has to go to the toilet. He holds back too long and… It seems a bit scatophilic, but actually not at all. This book made me cry with laughter.
SHE. – What is your relationship to reading? How do you find time to read?
BB – Taking the time to read is one of my great pleasures in life, it’s vital. I used to read in the metro, but for 20 years I’ve been on my bike all the time. So I read in the evening, in the morning, when I cook, even if it’s five minutes. This is actually what I try to tell my children… It’s unfortunate to hear surveys which report that young people, people, no longer read. At school, it’s complicated. We can’t force them to read, because when literature becomes an obligation, there is no more pleasure… On set, I read all the time. Usually everyone is on their phone and I’m on my book, I’m a bit old fashioned.
“Immersing yourself in a book is a way of getting out of yourself and opening up to others”
SHE. – Do you ever put down a book before the end?
BB – When I was younger, I was able to let go of Faulkner. But today, I force myself to go through with it. Which is not necessarily good I think… When I was reading “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo, I spoke with a publisher friend who told me, ”You know, from time to time, you can read diagonally”. That reassured me so much. When it’s too descriptive, too long or I don’t like it, I read diagonally, but I move forward in the story and I always get to the end.
SHE. – You say that “there is too much to read”. How do you go about selecting your next reading?
BB – I really operate on impulse. I started the latest Paul Auster. I was 15 when I discovered Paul Auster. I had already read Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson, but he was really the first author who launched me into literature. I remember reading his books in the hallways at college, and then I completely gave up. Recently I heard about him on the radio, it made me want him again. Often it’s when I hear things on the radio or in podcasts. My boyfriend also reads: I propose to him, he proposes to me. Otherwise, I have so many books at home, I look at my library and it’s my favorite!
SHE. – A book to overcome loneliness?
BB – I’m lucky not to be too alone. But when you are alone, any book can relieve loneliness. If someone feels alone, I advise them to go into a bookstore – especially not to take their phone to go to Amazon – and to contact the bookseller. There are 50 books, 50 stories, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
“Literature saves”
SHE. – A book that everyone loved except you?
BB – I don’t really want to read Louis-Ferdinand Céline. I understand that he is someone who revolutionized literary style, but I find it hard to forget the infamous being that he was.
SHE. – The author whose books you have read the most?
BB – There are many. At first it was supposed to be Paul Auster, Lucy Sante, Jack London, Stefan Zweig, Victor Hugo, William Boyd. But there are so many others. Generally, when I like an author, I move on.
SHE. – You cite English-speaking authors. Do you read in English?
BB – No, I read in French. Even if I understand English well, it doesn’t have to be complicated when I read, for me to look for a vocabulary word. I want to enter the universe and understand everything. Obviously, I’m missing some things. I’m the first to say that you have to see the films in the original version.
SHE. – You mention cinema. Why choose to immerse yourself in a book rather than a film?
BB – You are hyperactive when you read. Your imagination gets underway. You invent the characters and places. Everyone experiences a book in a very different way. In a film, everything is supported by a very strong vision from the director. I say that, but maybe someone else will say the opposite.
SHE. – An expression that you use often?
BB – I love you my love, my boyfriend whispers to me.
SHE. – And precisely, who do you write to most often?
BB – To my boyfriend. All the time.
