Key literary figures
Eugène Le Roy is truly THE Périgord novelist. He was born in Hautefort on November 29, 1836. After working as a tax collector in various parts of the department, he lived in Montignac until his death in 1907. In 1899, he published Jacquou le Croquant, a novel anchored in the collective memory of all Périgourdins. It even became a best-seller after its adaptation for the small screen by Stellio Lorenzi in 1970. The theme of the child of the land, revolted by the precarious living conditions of his time and place, who rises up to fight injustice, brave death and misfortune, before finding love, has since found its way into the hearts of millions of readers. The other essential work by the same author is The Enemy of Death. A 4-part historical mini-series adapted from the novel of the same name has been produced for television. The novel tells the story of how a young doctor undertakes to fight alone against the prejudice and ignorance of his time, in order to save his country from misery and death. After completing his medical studies, Daniel Charbonnière returns home, replacing his late father. His homeland, the Double, is a region covered in forests, ponds and swamps, infested with fevers that decimate the population. He fights to get farmers and landowners to drain their ponds. He comes up against indifference, conformism, distrust of progress and the power of money. The author's modern approach focuses on two women: Minna, the cousin and proud daughter of the hero's main creditor, and the tender Sylvia, a poor peasant and childhood friend.
Another key figure in the Périgord literary scene is Pierre Fanlac (1918-1991). Through his activities as author, printer and publisher, he defended and developed a dual passion: fine books and the Périgord region. He brought together young poets, storytellers and illustrators by creating his own small publishing company. He has edited the best writers from Cadiou to Gide, and published some magnificent works of art. But his business also bore the strong stamp of regionalism, publishing many works about Périgord, Bordeaux and Aquitaine. Today, the third generation is at the helm, and the Editions Fanlac catalog is enriched by children's literature and a collection of crime novels, some of which come to life in a Périgord setting.
Literary fairs sometimes very greedy
Every year, the Dordogne hosts over forty book fairs, some more famous than others. For the most part, they are known throughout the département, rarely more so... But whether they are renowned or more modest, they all contribute to a certain idea of culture within everyone's reach, and to the vitality of literature in Périgord. For small communes, these events represent an opportunity to liven up local life without incurring too many costs. To name but a few, let's mention the Noir Vézère fair in Le Bugue, dedicated to noir thrillers, the Escoire fair in the same vein and the Bassillac comic book fair near Périgueux. Local authors are delighted with the success of these events, which enable them to make a name for themselves, even without a reputable publisher. Certain themes are particularly topical. The L'écrit des Femmes fair, traditionally held on the third weekend in March, provides an opportunity for women authors to meet the public. Organized by the Femmes Solidaires de la Dordogne association, the fair aims to highlight women's struggles through a variety of literary media. Debates, meetings and book signings guarantee a convivial atmosphere at this fair, which is open and recommended to all, to raise awareness of gender equality from an early age. On another note, let's focus on THE literary fair made in Périgord, the famous Salon International du Livre Gourmand. It's held in Périgueux, usually in even-numbered years. At the end of November, it brings together all lovers of gourmet literature, and there are plenty of them in Périgord. For over 30 years, it has been a mouth-watering event for gourmets. Over the years, it has become one of the most popular book fairs in France, with gastronomy as its central theme. Whether they're top chefs, bloggers, journalists, researchers, historians or enthusiasts, nearly 100 authors come to present their latest works, meet their readers, sign books, give lectures, take part in gourmet workshops... This half-literary, half-food fair showcases the famous Périgord art of living and its flagship products.
Martin Walker, Scottish author in love with the Périgord
Born in Scotland in 1947, Martin Walker is a British journalist, essayist and author of several crime novels. Having fallen in love with the Périgord region and its gastronomy, he finally settled in his dream house in Le Bugue. Since 2008, he has been writing a series of detective novels, featuring the adventures of a Périgord policeman named Bruno, based on a real-life friend of the author. The investigator's unorthodox methods and immoderate taste for cooking make him a very likeable character. His novels are little-known in France, but have been well received abroad, with translations in eighteen languages. The author and his wife are passionate cooks, so he doesn't hesitate to slip a few recipes or at least a few preparation tips into the novels to whet readers' appetites. At a time when the debate on animal mistreatment and foie gras production is raging, it's funny to note that it's a Brit who defends our traditions tooth and nail, for the pure love of the product. A writer who never leaves the page blank, he is inexhaustible, publishing a novel a year as well as numerous columns.
