ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Georges Simenon's lesser-known works reviewed in art press

publication · 2026-04-23

A book review by Jacques Henric in art press (issue 360, October 2009) examines a volume of Georges Simenon's works that excludes Maigret stories. The collection includes the novel 'La Vérité du Bébé Donge', famous for its film adaptation; a posthumous letter to his mother sent three and a half years after her death; the hybrid fiction-autobiography 'Pedigree'; and several lesser-known narratives. Henric highlights two short masterpieces: 'Les Complices' and 'La Chambre bleue'.

Key facts

  • Review by Jacques Henric in art press issue 360, October 2009
  • Volume contains no Maigret stories
  • Includes 'La Vérité du Bébé Donge' (known from film adaptation)
  • Includes a posthumous letter to Simenon's mother, sent 3.5 years after her death
  • Includes 'Pedigree' (mix of fiction and autobiography)
  • Includes lesser-known narratives
  • Two highlighted masterpieces: 'Les Complices' and 'La Chambre bleue'

Entities

Artists

  • Georges Simenon
  • Jacques Henric

Institutions

  • art press

Sources