Aznavour, Manouchian, Sar, Notomb, and Lugand: The Five Authors of Francofest

Last year, newmag presented Amélie Nothomb's "Blue Beard" at the first Francophone content festival. This year, the publishing house will feature her novel "The Enemy's Cosmetique," published in 2001.

Nothomb, who appears on the covers of all her books, hails from a noble family in Etterbeek, Belgium. She traveled extensively in her childhood due to her father's diplomatic career.

After studying Romance Languages at the University of Brussels, she moved to Tokyo full of dreams. However, upon arrival, she realized her new job was not what she had envisioned, leading her to start writing. At 26, Nothomb published her first novel, "Hygiene and the Assassin" and has since released a new book every year. She received the Belgian State Prize and was granted the title of Baroness by King Philippe of Belgium.

Before Francofest, newmag published the work of one of the most spirited writers in modern French literature in Armenian. Armenian readers became familiar with Agnès Martin-Lugand through her debut novel, "Happy People Read and Drink Coffee," published in 2013, which achieved unexpected success in the French literary world.

Agnès releases a new bestseller each year. Known for her emotional novels that explore themes of personal growth, identity, and human relationships, she draws from her background as a clinical psychologist, adding depth to her writing.

This time, newmag has published "Happiness Hanging by a Thread," a modern-day Cinderella story. Unlike the fairy-tale version, Agnès' heroine does not wait for a fairy godmother to change her fate.

The next author featured at the festival is Senegalese writer Mohamed Mbougar Sarr. Born in Dakar to a family of doctors, he graduated from Saint Louis Military Academy and moved to France in 2009. He studied literature and philosophy there at the School of Advanced Studies in Social Sciences in Paris.

Sarr is the first writer from sub-Saharan Africa to receive France's most prestigious literary award, the Goncourt Prize, in 2021, for his book "The Most Secret Memory of Men." The presentation of the Armenian edition will take place on October 12. His smooth prose and gradual plot revelations make his work a page-turner.

Newmag will also present the book by French-Armenian Meline Manouchian at Francofest. She was the wife and comrade-in-arms of resistance hero Missak Manouchian. Genocide survivors, Meline and Missak met and fell in love in Paris.

Their happiness was short-lived. World War II began, and France was occupied. Meline became an indispensable assistant to the Resistance fighters, actively participating in the underground struggle. Thirty years after her husband's death, she compiled all her memories and emotions into a book.

Another exclusive publication that newmag will present at Francofest is an anthology of thoughts and philosophies by Charles Aznavour, compiled by his son, Nicolas Aznavour. This book features excerpts from thousands of interviews with the maestro, accompanied by rare photographs.

Five books that encapsulate passion, bohemian life, fleeting moments, enduring love, compassion, and gentle humor. Readers can purchase all books featuring francophone content from the publishing house at up to 40% discounts.

FRANCFEST 2024  OFFICIAL PAGE

Partners 

·       Embassy of France in Armenia, 

·       French Institute 

·       French University of Armenia

·       Aznavour Foundation

Sponsors

·       AUF

·       Infinity Travel Armenia by Luxury Voyage

Media Partners  

·       Courrier d'Erevan,

·       Nouvelles d'Arménie