Among the famous writers of the XXI century, Muriel Barbury is far from the last place. It is especially popular in France. In this country, Muriel is called the bestselling queen. Such a title was given to her by the famous Parisian newspaper Mond. Although the writer has only three works on her account, the whole world already knows her. The novels were sold in huge circulation and were enchanting success.
short biography
Muriel was born in 1969, on May 28. For the first time she saw the light in the port city of Morocco - Casablanca. The future writer spent her youth in France. She graduated in Paris, after which she decided to start working in the field of pedagogy. For a long time, Muriel taught philosophy at the University of Saint-Lo. She never thought about the career of the famous writer, fame and success were not her life priorities. But she always had a special passion for literature.
How did a career in literature begin?
Muriel Barbury took her first steps in writing works only for her own pleasure. But in 2000, everything changed dramatically. Her husband, having read Muriel’s manuscript titled “Delicacy,” was ecstatic. He advised his wife to try to print this novel. She doubted for a long time, but in the end agreed to persuade her husband. She sent the manuscript to Gallimard. Nobody knew about Muriel as a writer at that time. Therefore, the publishers agreed to let the delicacy go to print at their own peril and risk. As it turned out, they hit the bull's eye.
First printed novel
The novel immediately earned many positive reviews, critics wrote excellent reviews, and books literally swept from the shelves of bookstores. The work became so popular that it was translated into fourteen languages. After the publication of the first novel by Muriel (“Delicacy”), a crowd of fans and those who envied the writer’s success appeared. Some envious people predicted her a sharp collapse and fall, stagnation in creativity, others said that the success of the first book is a mere coincidence.
Not only a book, but a movie
But Muriel Barberi did not stop at the first successful novel and proved to everyone her right to be called a top-level writer by publishing her second work entitled "The Elegance of a Hedgehog." Immediately after the release, the book won first place in popularity in France and became a bestseller. She exceeded all expectations of readers and won a huge number of awards. For this book, dozens of prestigious awards rained down on Muriel. 2009 was marked by the film adaptation of the novel "Elegance of a Hedgehog." The well-known French director saw a highlight in the novel, which must have been reflected in the movie screens.
Childhood Dream: Realization
Stremglav burst into world literature and won an excellent reputation, Muriel was able to realize his old dreams. Having received recognition as a good writer, she gained financial stability. Muriel moved to live in the Japanese city of Kyoto. Muriel from childhood loved the sophisticated culture of Japan. Barbury says that it was the secrets of the East that inspired her to work on the novel "Elegance of a Hedgehog."
Elven Life: A Florid Story
After writing The Hedgehog, Muriel wrote for quite some time. For nine years there have been no hints of new books. And in 2015, Muriel Barbery’s new novel, Life of the Elves, was released. The writer recalled herself by publishing another wonderful book. The novel is written in the genre of heroic fiction and foreign fantasy.
The heroines of the sensational work are two girls. Clara and Maria are connected with the mysterious elven world. The appearance of girls in the world remains a mystery in the book, but there is no doubt about the unusualness of the main characters. One of them is a virtuoso pianist with an extraordinary gift. She should take a look at the notes once, and she already performs works better than any piano master. Another girl can draw vitality from nature, knows how to talk with the inhabitants of the animal world and birds, and also controls the weather. Muriel Barbery united her two heroines with a common secret and mission. The fate of the human race depends on these girls.
Soul of the East in Barbary books
Since Muriel lives in Japan, the book is completely saturated with the atmosphere, leisurelyness, sophistication and mystery of oriental culture. Lovers of reflection, sit on one page longer, delving into the true essence of the written, be sure to read the work of Muriel Barberi "Life of the Elves." Reviews for this book fall into two categories. Some readers are absolutely delighted with what they read, while others complain of too long descriptions, flavored with a large number of epithets. Yes, without a doubt, the novel is rich in numerous turns of speech and complex sentences. But this makes him so soulful and at the same time mystical and unusual. The book combines nature with art and magic.
It is very difficult not to succumb to the charm of Muriel as an author, you feel sympathy, you just have to pick up her novel. From the first lines read, breaking away from a book becomes a very difficult task. Interesting storylines, thoughtful characters of the heroes, original descriptions of mental states and the outside world - all this Muriel brilliantly combines in his works. The great talent of the writer is felt in all her books.
Everyone who is interested in Japan and its culture needs to get acquainted with the work of Muriel Barberi. Books of the writer carry in themselves a leisurely and mystery of the East. The storylines are covered with mystery and mysticism, and the heroes of the novels have unique abilities. Even the most demanding literature lovers will not be able to remain indifferent after reading Muriel Barberi's novels. All the books of the talented writer are unique and original of their kind. They are saturated with atmospheric and soulfulness, which are so necessary for the modern reader.