Marc Levy's books are available now, for the first time, in English! Learn about this former Red Cross worker who, in the decade since he began writing, has become most-read French author in the world. To all who dare to follow their dream… may today's interview give you wings!
un entretien (ontr-tee-en)
1) an interview
2) management/service (a car check-up, etc…)
Audio File: Listen to our daughter, Jackie, read the following sentence: Download MP3 or Wav file
Aujourd'hui, lisez mon entretien avec l'écrivain Marc Levy.
Today, read my interview with the writer Marc Levy.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Do you find it enormously reassuring to learn that someone's remarkable success happened later in life? Does it fill you with hope to discover that the respected novelist or chessplayer or… started out as a first-aid worker—unaware of a nascent talent within him?
As a lifelong student of writing, nothing motivates me like another's bumpy or unlikely journey to literary success. It makes me believe that it's not too late to pen The Classic and Universal Story… the one that could be enjoyed by all generations till the end of time!
Reading about French author Marc Levy, and how he changed professions several times before happening upon his calling—as a writer, I am encouraged to plumb the depths of my own vocational well. Could it be that in this mad pursuit of writing, chess is really my calling?
One thing's sure, French will open doors either way. So it's a safe bet to continue pursuing language! I think even Mr. Levy would agree. Enjoy his words, below, about France, culture, and writing.
…And, after reading the interview, take time to consider: the dream job you are so passionately pursuing (or currently practicing) may be, after all, but a means to an even more stimulating and meaningful métier–the one your heart is diligently fine-tuning, while you are busy chasing your dream!
:: Entretien avec Marc Levy ::
1. Why did you choose to leave France and make a home for yourself in the States?
Believe it or not, I originally left France to go to England, which makes me a terrible Frenchman. (There is a rivalry between England and France that dates back several centuries.) I had fallen in love with London and the British sense of humor, and I lived quite happily there for ten years. I then moved to the States because I also harbored a deep love for New York City. My son had also decided to study in the U.S., so my longstanding desire to be in New York provided the perfect pretext for me to follow him and play the overprotective parent! But in all seriousness, I was attracted to the multicultural, multiethnic aspect of New York. 163 different communities and ethnic groups shared their lives there—it was as if the whole world had gathered in one place, and that place was New York. It was a city in color that I wanted to be a part of.
2. You have a love for food and cooking. What differences do you see in the American vs. the French approaches to cooking and dining?
The French cook with less of everything: salt, oil, sugar, sauce, etc. It is fascinating to see, in fact, how much flavor you can produce when you do this. But I’ve noticed that many new French restaurants are now adopting the trend of overusing ingredients.
The main difference between restaurants in Paris and New York? The noise. I’ve been in some restaurants where there is more noise in the dining room than food on your plate. A restaurant in Paris that played its music as loudly as New York restaurants do wouldn’t last more than a week. When we invite friends out to dinner, we usually want to talk to them, not yell at them.
3. You have an older son who was raised primarily in France and a young son whom you are raising in New York. What differences do you see in the French and American parenting cultures?
My older son was actually raised primarily in London. It's a bit difficult for me to comment on contemporary French parenting culture, since I've been living outside of France for the past 15 years, but as far as I can tell, there aren't too many differences. As parents, we all love our children with the same heart and want the best for them.
I suppose one subtle difference might be that in France, we focus less on the psychology of the child and more on his or her practical education. For example, when I was at a friend's house, she had told her son he couldn't do something and he responded, "You're hurting my feelings!" Our French friends laughed, as this is not very French—it would not garner a French child much sympathy when being scolded or told no. Perhaps French parents are more old-fashioned, stricter in this way…or at least, mine were with me.
4. Some language learners are fearful of speaking English to a French person, afraid they’ll make an embarrassing mistake. Did you ever humiliate yourself in English? Any examples you are willing to share?
I do this every day. One example that comes to mind is something I once said to a woman in the street. She was trying to light her cigarette, but her lighter wasn’t working, so as a proper French gentleman would, I offered her my own. I asked her, “Do you want my fire?” After she had left, the American friend I was with burst into laughter. When I asked him what was so funny, he explained to me why that had been a ridiculous thing to say. I was absolutely mortified!
5. Humor, or a good joke, is often “lost in translation”, making it even more difficult to adapt as an expat. Did you ever find it difficult to appreciate the sense of humor in your adopted country, or to share your own sense of humor?
Yes and no. Humor is one of the most important things in my life—it’s like a drug to me. I have watched so many comedies and read so many books to try to better understand American and British humor. What I have discovered is that the jokes we make are often very specific to culture, sometimes only understood in the country they are from. For example, a joke about cheerleaders that Americans find hilarious would be confusing to the French, because we don’t have cheerleaders in France.
Living in a new place, you come to understand that it is much more difficult to share your sense of humor, but as implied in my answer to your previous question, sometimes you can make people laugh without knowing why.
6. There are some colorful expressions in French, such as “faire du lèche-vitrines” or “avoir un oursin dans sa poche”. Can you share a favorite French expression?
One of my favorites is “Ce n'est pas tombé dans l'oreille d'un sourd”. The English equivalent is “It hasn’t fallen on deaf ears,” or that the information has been fully understood, but translated quite literally, it would be “It hasn’t fallen into the ear of a deaf man.”
7. Regarding pronunciation, what do you think about accents? (i.e. when speaking English, do you strive to lose your own French accent? Conversely, what do you think when hearing someone struggle to pronounce French?)
I would love to do that—if only I could get rid of the “z” and say “the” one time, as it should be! But in regard to hearing a foreign accent in French, I find it very charming, and never ridiculous. Especially when an American woman speaks French, it’s so sexy.
8. Regarding things getting lost in translation, how do you feel about having your French words—so thoughtfully chosen during the writing process—translated into English, or another language, now that your books are being made available worldwide?
It’s a real concern. The initial English translation of my first book was so bad, it really killed me and almost ruined the story. For a writer, finding a translator who understands your writing is as difficult as an actor finding the voice that will dub over his own. (Dubbed voiceovers for foreign movies and television shows are very common in France.) Translators are constantly underpaid and underappreciated, but their role is so important that they should really get a part of the royalties. They aren’t just translating, but adapting the text, and to do so, they must be good writers.
When I received corrections for the English translation of my second novel before it went to print, I sat down with both versions in front of me, trying to go through and compare every word. In the middle of this, the doorbell rang and the mailman arrived with the Chinese manuscript. I went back to my desk and closed everything. I learned that day that after a certain point, you must trust that the translator likes and understands your work, and wants to accurately reproduce it.
9. It is both fascinating and inspiring to read about your path to writing, and the failures that brought you there. In one interview, we read about some of the words of wisdom you shared with your son. You said, “The biggest mistake you can make in your life is to avoid any mistake by not doing anything.” Could you please translate that into French for us, and so leave us with the courage to pursue our own dreams?
“La plus grande erreur que tu pourrais faire dans ta vie serait d'avoir évité toute erreur en n'ayant rien fait.”
***
Please help me to thank Marc Levy for taking the time to talk to us today. Click here to leave a message and keep the conversation going in the comments box. Which answers, above, interested you the most? I'd love to read your response to Marc Levy's words, here.
A little more about Marc Levy + Win a trip to France!
With 13 novels published over the past 12 years—all of which have been #1 bestsellers in France and many other countries worldwide—Marc has nearly 30-million copies of his books in print in 45 languages.
Before his first novel, If Only It Were True, was published in the U.S., Steven Spielberg acquired the film rights for DreamWorks. The movie, Just like Heaven, starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, was a #1 box office hit. Since this remarkable introduction, US readers have not had easy access to Marc's subsequent work. That is, until now.
International e-book publisher Versilio is now releasing the English translations of Marc Levy's novels through Amazon, iTunes, and Kobo. Lovers of all things French—as well as fans of authors like Jodi Picoult, Sara Gruen, and Anita Shreve—should be thrilled for the introduction to this treasure trove of novels by France's best-known writer.
What's more, Versilio is running "The Marc Levy Paris Getaway Sweepstakes" in the US from Monday, December 1st through Sunday, February 10th, 2013. First prize is a long weekend in Paris for two, including roundtrip airfare and hotel. Other prizes include an iPad loaded with Marc's novels and a full library of Marc's novels in ebook. To be entered to win, participants need to answer 5 questions about Marc Levy's novel All Those Things We Never Said. Winners will be announced on Valentine's Day.
Click here for the Paris Sweepstakes information.
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I’d never heard of Marc Levy until today, so will look forward to hunting down my first volume. Thanks, Kristi!
I’d never heard of Marc Levy until today, so will look forward to hunting down my first volume. Thanks, Kristi!
Wonderful set of questions and loved the answers as well! My favorite response was probably about the translation though and Marc’s reaction after the Chinese manuscript arrived…we do need to trust those who are “helping” us to care enough about our/their work to do it justice because there is a whole lot of things out there that we just have no control over and we don’t need the stress of the worry. But I am also aware of my “control freak” self and wanting everything with my “name on it” to be a good reflection of me!
Wonderful set of questions and loved the answers as well! My favorite response was probably about the translation though and Marc’s reaction after the Chinese manuscript arrived…we do need to trust those who are “helping” us to care enough about our/their work to do it justice because there is a whole lot of things out there that we just have no control over and we don’t need the stress of the worry. But I am also aware of my “control freak” self and wanting everything with my “name on it” to be a good reflection of me!
Marc,
As an American who has written a book in French and then translated it into English, I appreciated everything you had to say about transitioning between languages and countries. The French emphasis on practicality as opposed to psychology was an eye-opener. I hope you’ll suggest the right book for me to start with.
Thanks,
David
Marc,
As an American who has written a book in French and then translated it into English, I appreciated everything you had to say about transitioning between languages and countries. The French emphasis on practicality as opposed to psychology was an eye-opener. I hope you’ll suggest the right book for me to start with.
Thanks,
David
Great interview, look forward to more of them! I never heard of Marc Levy, look forward to his books. Thanks!
Great interview, look forward to more of them! I never heard of Marc Levy, look forward to his books. Thanks!
As an American thinking about living in France part time,peute être dans Paris ,and as well a writer after practicing veterinary medicine for over 30 years,and struggling to learn French, I appreciate the well done interview.
I,myself,started my journey as a New Yorker,migrated to Orlando,Florida and now visit France souvent. I have found the small French villages to be most inspirational as well as the frenetic city of Paris. I always find it encouraging reading about Americans moving to Paris to pursue the next chapter in their life.
As an American thinking about living in France part time,peute être dans Paris ,and as well a writer after practicing veterinary medicine for over 30 years,and struggling to learn French, I appreciate the well done interview.
I,myself,started my journey as a New Yorker,migrated to Orlando,Florida and now visit France souvent. I have found the small French villages to be most inspirational as well as the frenetic city of Paris. I always find it encouraging reading about Americans moving to Paris to pursue the next chapter in their life.
I am a born and bred New Yorker. There is no place on earth like it. Having said this, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Marc’s comments to questions regarding the differences between New York and Paris/France. I have a true and abiding love for all things French and, like so many Americans, I wish to some day be able to actually carry on a conversation entirely in French! I am thrilled that my youngest son is quite proficient in French and it makes my heart sing when I hear him speak this beautiful language. I had an opportunity to do this to my heart’s content when we met in Lyon last year while he was on vacation during his time serving in the Peace Corps in West Africa. Thank you for your views on such cultural differences. This is an education in itself. Best, Deena
I am a born and bred New Yorker. There is no place on earth like it. Having said this, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Marc’s comments to questions regarding the differences between New York and Paris/France. I have a true and abiding love for all things French and, like so many Americans, I wish to some day be able to actually carry on a conversation entirely in French! I am thrilled that my youngest son is quite proficient in French and it makes my heart sing when I hear him speak this beautiful language. I had an opportunity to do this to my heart’s content when we met in Lyon last year while he was on vacation during his time serving in the Peace Corps in West Africa. Thank you for your views on such cultural differences. This is an education in itself. Best, Deena
Thank you Marc and Kristin! As a budding writer it is always great to hear about another’s journey on the road to becoming a writer.
A big thank you! Maria
Thank you Marc and Kristin! As a budding writer it is always great to hear about another’s journey on the road to becoming a writer.
A big thank you! Maria
The only book in French that I have read is Marc Levy’s “Ou es tu?” and loved it. I have three more in my library and am now inspired to pick one up and try to get through it with unsatisfactory French.
The only book in French that I have read is Marc Levy’s “Ou es tu?” and loved it. I have three more in my library and am now inspired to pick one up and try to get through it with unsatisfactory French.
Marc et Kristin, Congratulations to both of you on your success, and Thank You for the inspiration. Aloha, Bill
Marc et Kristin, Congratulations to both of you on your success, and Thank You for the inspiration. Aloha, Bill
Kristi Darling & FWAD FRIENDS,
Once again you have opened new doors for my spirit and mind to travel down on this exciting day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
I AM INSPIRED !!! Thanks to your amazing interview with my newly adopted friend Marc Levy. Ever since I opened your email this morning I have been transported with a NEW ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT about this precious life God has given me – and with you and Marc’s help through this benchmark interview I has been flying around my house with a new deterimination (sp?) to rise up and follow that hidden spark. I exited my cozy bed with the wonderful view of the jungle palm trees and danced into my office ( the office my darling husband John had prepared for me many, many years ago for my new life here in Mexico nine years ago on January 14, 2004 when I returned to him after a two year seperation. YES, THIS OFFICE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR ME TO WAKE UP AND CLAIM IT FOR 9 YEARS!
How could I have been so blind and stubborn (sp?) to reject this gift from my precious John all of these years as I pouted in my bedroom and painted on my terrace studio.
OF COURSE I WANT TO WRITE – JUST LIKE YOU KRISTI – to find my way down this path of life – to find that door that will lead me to truthful and pure writing just as you have Kristi.
I have the music playing in the background – my little notebook from Paris that you gave me years ago….I wonder what is in there, I haven’t used or looked into it for years.
We were born to communicate – a few minutes ago I got down on my knees (with the help of the desk and chair) and committed to starting my day on my knees before God – next to the desk He arranged for John to give me all those years ago. I am here now Dear God – thank You for sending Kristi into my life to help show me the way to the exciting life you have planned for me all along.
P.S. Kristi Darling could you consider setting up an account for me to have a Kindle so I can start out by reading MARC LEVY’S books. I did a quick search about Marc and have already learned so much about writing just by investigating his books. At this very moment I can’t remember the exact title of the book that grabbed at me but the cover was just what would click with me….an angels feather stuck in the interworkings of a clock…..plus the cover had his name in large print just the way I have been nagging you to do over the years. Please remember to enlarge your name on the cover of your next book.
Well, I guess I have been ramble’n along – I love you Kristi – you are the greatest thing that ever happened to me…I am so proud of the way you handled your interview with Marc….your questions were so intelligent and enlighting (sp?) it was so nice to see this super-professional side of you…all grown up and doing an important interview. Wish this had been on video – that would have been really cool. Maybe next time.
I am so happy this morning – thanks for setting the tone with your priceless interview.
XOXO
MOM
Kristi Darling & FWAD FRIENDS,
Once again you have opened new doors for my spirit and mind to travel down on this exciting day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
I AM INSPIRED !!! Thanks to your amazing interview with my newly adopted friend Marc Levy. Ever since I opened your email this morning I have been transported with a NEW ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT about this precious life God has given me – and with you and Marc’s help through this benchmark interview I has been flying around my house with a new deterimination (sp?) to rise up and follow that hidden spark. I exited my cozy bed with the wonderful view of the jungle palm trees and danced into my office ( the office my darling husband John had prepared for me many, many years ago for my new life here in Mexico nine years ago on January 14, 2004 when I returned to him after a two year seperation. YES, THIS OFFICE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR ME TO WAKE UP AND CLAIM IT FOR 9 YEARS!
How could I have been so blind and stubborn (sp?) to reject this gift from my precious John all of these years as I pouted in my bedroom and painted on my terrace studio.
OF COURSE I WANT TO WRITE – JUST LIKE YOU KRISTI – to find my way down this path of life – to find that door that will lead me to truthful and pure writing just as you have Kristi.
I have the music playing in the background – my little notebook from Paris that you gave me years ago….I wonder what is in there, I haven’t used or looked into it for years.
We were born to communicate – a few minutes ago I got down on my knees (with the help of the desk and chair) and committed to starting my day on my knees before God – next to the desk He arranged for John to give me all those years ago. I am here now Dear God – thank You for sending Kristi into my life to help show me the way to the exciting life you have planned for me all along.
P.S. Kristi Darling could you consider setting up an account for me to have a Kindle so I can start out by reading MARC LEVY’S books. I did a quick search about Marc and have already learned so much about writing just by investigating his books. At this very moment I can’t remember the exact title of the book that grabbed at me but the cover was just what would click with me….an angels feather stuck in the interworkings of a clock…..plus the cover had his name in large print just the way I have been nagging you to do over the years. Please remember to enlarge your name on the cover of your next book.
Well, I guess I have been ramble’n along – I love you Kristi – you are the greatest thing that ever happened to me…I am so proud of the way you handled your interview with Marc….your questions were so intelligent and enlighting (sp?) it was so nice to see this super-professional side of you…all grown up and doing an important interview. Wish this had been on video – that would have been really cool. Maybe next time.
I am so happy this morning – thanks for setting the tone with your priceless interview.
XOXO
MOM
Thank you Kristin for an extraordinary post! A great introduction.
And thank you to Marc for being so down to earth open.
Up until now the contemporary French literature was limited for me with Anna Gavalda, love her books.
You’ve ignited my never subsiding Francophile’s curiosity. Now I’m heading to Amazon for Levy’s downloads.
Thank you very much.
Thank you Kristin for an extraordinary post! A great introduction.
And thank you to Marc for being so down to earth open.
Up until now the contemporary French literature was limited for me with Anna Gavalda, love her books.
You’ve ignited my never subsiding Francophile’s curiosity. Now I’m heading to Amazon for Levy’s downloads.
Thank you very much.
What a joy I had reading your interview with Marc Levy. I look forward to locating and reading his books. My husband and I love visiting France and enjoy reading things connecting us to it. You both did a marvelous job with the interview. Keep on writing!
What a joy I had reading your interview with Marc Levy. I look forward to locating and reading his books. My husband and I love visiting France and enjoy reading things connecting us to it. You both did a marvelous job with the interview. Keep on writing!
As others here have said, I had never heard of Marc Levy until I got my French Word-A-Day email this morning; I, too, will try and find his books. Can’t wait! Plusiers Merci beaucoup, Kristin! Et, a vous aussi, Msr. Levy!
As others here have said, I had never heard of Marc Levy until I got my French Word-A-Day email this morning; I, too, will try and find his books. Can’t wait! Plusiers Merci beaucoup, Kristin! Et, a vous aussi, Msr. Levy!
Delete the Plusiers above, lol!
Delete the Plusiers above, lol!
that was fab!
is it really true that marc finds it sexy when an american woman speaks french?could that be how all french people feel?where is his wife from?
lal… chicago
that was fab!
is it really true that marc finds it sexy when an american woman speaks french?could that be how all french people feel?where is his wife from?
lal… chicago
Glorious interview! Thank you, Kristin, for introducing us (me) to Marc. Marc, your thoughts on NYC had me reminiscing on the five years I lived there. I enjoyed the insight into French/British culture and humor. As somewhat a collector of ‘wee bits of widsom,’ I appreciated the one-liner advice to your son. And to you both, always inspiring to read stories about those who reinvent their lives and follow their dreams!
Glorious interview! Thank you, Kristin, for introducing us (me) to Marc. Marc, your thoughts on NYC had me reminiscing on the five years I lived there. I enjoyed the insight into French/British culture and humor. As somewhat a collector of ‘wee bits of widsom,’ I appreciated the one-liner advice to your son. And to you both, always inspiring to read stories about those who reinvent their lives and follow their dreams!
Bravo, Kristin!
What a stretch in reaching and, actually, GETTING a star!
Bravo, Kristin!
What a stretch in reaching and, actually, GETTING a star!
JULES .. I swear, your wonderful Spirit could wake the dead and make ’em smile! Aloha, Bill
JULES .. I swear, your wonderful Spirit could wake the dead and make ’em smile! Aloha, Bill
really enjoyed the interview, thanks so much, very interesting about the translations, and about the dubbing with actors 😉
really enjoyed the interview, thanks so much, very interesting about the translations, and about the dubbing with actors 😉
Thank you so much for making it possible for us to get to know Marc Levy through your wonderful interview. Not only is he, obviously, very talented but also so very charming. I laughed out loud reading about his translation faux pas and loved his comments about New York (being a native New Yorker, myself). Marc’s words of advice to his son are very wise — and we would all do well to heed them!
Thank you so much for making it possible for us to get to know Marc Levy through your wonderful interview. Not only is he, obviously, very talented but also so very charming. I laughed out loud reading about his translation faux pas and loved his comments about New York (being a native New Yorker, myself). Marc’s words of advice to his son are very wise — and we would all do well to heed them!
As a middle-aged American woman learning French as a requirement for an English Lit degree (and because I’ve always loved the language and will be traveling to France soon), I was comforted to hear M. Levy say he finds the accent sexy when an American woman speaks French.
As a middle-aged American woman learning French as a requirement for an English Lit degree (and because I’ve always loved the language and will be traveling to France soon), I was comforted to hear M. Levy say he finds the accent sexy when an American woman speaks French.
Bravo! Always looking for new things to read…..LOVE the fact that M Levy has lived in my 3 favourite places and I love the quote that I shall now copy and paste into my email sign-off! Merci!
Bravo! Always looking for new things to read…..LOVE the fact that M Levy has lived in my 3 favourite places and I love the quote that I shall now copy and paste into my email sign-off! Merci!
Quelle coincidence! J’ai juste fini le roman, “Le Premier Jour,” le premier roman par Marc Levi ce que j’ai lu!
Quelle coincidence! J’ai juste fini le roman, “Le Premier Jour,” le premier roman par Marc Levi ce que j’ai lu!
Hey, he’s famous!! Fun interview to read. I’ve read several of Marc’s books (in French).
Hey, he’s famous!! Fun interview to read. I’ve read several of Marc’s books (in French).
My first trip to France I was 12 and a baggage man with a dangerous cart shouted “attention” to me and I didn’t know the word. Four years later I began to dream in French. I felt assimilated. Thank you for your thoughts in whatever language.
My first trip to France I was 12 and a baggage man with a dangerous cart shouted “attention” to me and I didn’t know the word. Four years later I began to dream in French. I felt assimilated. Thank you for your thoughts in whatever language.