In a Wide-Brimmed Hat: Gothic Baroness and Eccentric Writer Amélie Nothomb (Video)

As a child, she narrowly escaped death at the age of four. In her youth, she dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina. During her years in Japan, where her father served as the Belgian consul, she fell deeply in love with Japanese culture. Reflecting on those experiences, Nothomb once confessed: “I am a failed Japanese woman, a prima ballerina, a martyr. But all of this made me a more or less successful artist.” Today, she stands as one of France’s most celebrated contemporary authors.

"Words have the power to destroy. One word can save you, another can kill you. The day I realized this, I understood that language is like nitroglycerin—if I am not careful, I could save or destroy someone without even intending to."

Amélie Nothomb’s writing process is as unconventional as her personality. She avoids listening to music while writing, claiming it would interfere with her inner melody—the rhythm that transforms into words and resonates with her readers. She likens writing to childbirth: unpredictable and full of surprises. Each of her stories, crafted with sharp sentences and unexpected dialogues, becomes a unique creation.

"When I write, I listen to my inner voice, which feels like metal rock. The process often begins during sleepless nights, as ideas form in my mind. By morning, I put them on paper, and the more I write, the more the plot enriches itself, almost as if by magic."

For Nothomb, writing is not just a vocation but her very essence. She chose to forgo having children to dedicate herself entirely to her craft, which she says gives her life its meaning and color.

In the past year, Newmag Publishing has introduced Armenian readers to two of Nothomb’s works: “Blue Beard” and “The Enemy's Cosmetique”. These translations bring the distinctive voice of this Gothic-style baroness to a new audience, showcasing her unique blend of wit, emotion, and razor-sharp storytelling.