Author's new book explores East-West connections
Paul Greveillac, a French writer born in 1981, has written a new collection of stories titled Paris-Moscou, which explores the complex relationship between Europe and the East. The book is a continuation of his fascination with Eastern Europe, a theme he first explored in his 2016 novel Les âmes rouges.Stories span three decades of Eastern European history
Paris-Moscou contains eight stories that range from 1990, just after the fall of the Berlin Wall, up to the present day. The stories reflect on the collapse of the Soviet Union and the struggles of Eastern European countries to redefine their identities in its aftermath.Characters and themes reflect historical and cultural shifts
The collection features a variety of characters, including a dishonest music producer who uses the music of Viktor Tsoï and the group Kino without permission, and a Belarusian tennis player who returns to a country that has undergone significant change. These characters illustrate the personal and cultural transformations that have occurred in the region.Narrative style emphasizes mystery and ambiguity
Greveillac’s approach avoids direct political commentary or analysis. Instead, his stories focus on individual lives caught in larger historical forces, often ending with enigmatic or open-ended conclusions that leave readers pondering the implications.Publication details and availability
Paris-Moscou is published by Gallimard and has a print run of 1,500 copies. It is priced at 18 euros, contains 180 pages, and has the ISBN 9782919547951. The book includes a reference to Greveillac’s earlier work, as one of the characters is reading Les âmes rouges.
