Thursdays at the Villa: Laurence Tardieu - Writing to Save Oneself: When Writing Brings Us Into the World

All of his books can be read as attempts at self-revelation: what remains of us once the masks have fallen? His writing takes the form of a quest—a quest to get as close as possible to a truth, a truth about human beings. Her latest book, *Vers la joie* (Éditions Robert Laffont), was published in January 2025. After leading a writing workshop for several years at La Sorbonne Nouvelle and then at Sciences Po, she has for the past ten years been in charge of one of the NRF’s writing workshops, titled *Les frontières de l’intime*. Laurence Tardieu will explore how writing, from childhood onward, has literally brought her into the world—brought her into the world and saved her. She will discuss childhood memories, moments from her life and her writing journey, and epiphanies, drawing parallels with certain passages from her books. She will speak about words that take on a life of their own and how writing has proven to be a deeply powerful and moving inner adventure. She will also discuss her experience leading writing workshops over the past twenty years. This will be an opportunity to explain how, during these workshops, she acts as “the guide” and strives to help each participant hear their own voice—the one that belongs to them and is unique—and then to express it as faithfully as possible. And why this experience is so profoundly moving—for the individual discovering themselves through the act of writing, for the group, and for herself. The evening includes: - Champagne reception - Themed talk - Dinner at Restaurant Béatrice, prepared by Chef Myriam Barda