Jacques Séréna's 'Sous le néflier' Published by Minuit

The novel 'Sous le néflier' by Jacques Séréna has been released by éditions de Minuit. In a discussion with painter René Caussanel, Séréna explores his approach to writing, the distinction between fiction and autobiography, as well as the motifs of jealousy and betrayal. Their dialogue, which traces back to their 1994 encounter when Caussanel collaborated with Jean-Louis Martinelli, includes photographs taken by Séréna, some from his exhibition 'Les Fiévreuses'. He differentiates the 'je' in his works from autofiction, drawing parallels with Beckett and Duras. Séréna views writing as a form of self-betrayal that uncovers profound truths. The narrative centers on a surgeon's terminal diagnosis and his partner's departure for an elderly Latvian mason, reflecting an evolution in his language amidst crises.