I began reading Annie Ernaux in the early aughts, and since have read all of her books. Reading her in French was like walking through a door I was unaware existed and doing it with a French person like no other I had known or met. Her honesty and observation inspired me. Her writing about her life–or her life-writing (as it now sometimes called, which makes me smile because what other kind of writing is there)–made me feel akin to her.
The other day while searching online for sites where I am home. is offered, I saw this screenshot below. Imagine how I felt when seeing I am home. above a line-up of Annie Ernaux’s covers, and above them, a message telling the viewer that folks who shopped for I am home., also shopped for
her books. This encouraged and heartened me to keep on keepin’ on.
I wrote to her once, way back when, and she answered, and I still have that cherished letter. Seeing her awarded the Nobel in 2022 was deeply moving and quietly thrilling, this recognition of her work told me that the world was changing.
Making art of life has always been my aim–on and off the page. It’s an honor to see my work on the same page as hers. Our work could be called kin.
Thank you for reading,
Marianne
Marianne Maili 