Jean Echenoz's 'Des Éclairs' fictionalizes Nikola Tesla's life
Jean Echenoz's novel 'Des Éclairs' (Éditions de Minuit, 2010) closes a trilogy of 'biographically unscrupulous' fictions following 'Ravel' (2006) and 'Courir' (2008). The book reimagines the life of inventor Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) through the character Gregor, born during a thunderstorm in a remote Southeastern European village. Gregor exhibits Tesla-like traits: a photographic memory, ability to visualize inventions without models, and pioneering work on alternating current. He moves to New York at age 28, works briefly with Thomas Edison, then develops alternating current with Edison's rival. The novel portrays Gregor as brilliant but antisocial, prone to rage and visions, ultimately isolated. Echenoz blends biographical facts with fiction, emphasizing Tesla's unrealized commercial potential and his focus on science over profit. The narrative highlights Tesla's contributions to radio, X-rays, remote control, robots, liquid air, electron microscopes, and particle accelerators.
Key facts
- Jean Echenoz's novel 'Des Éclairs' was published by Éditions de Minuit in 2010.
- The book is the third in a trilogy after 'Ravel' (2006) and 'Courir' (2008).
- The protagonist Gregor is based on Nikola Tesla (1856–1943).
- Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia, and died in New York.
- Tesla pioneered alternating current and had a photographic memory.
- Gregor is born during a thunderstorm in a Southeastern European village.
- He moves to New York at 28 and works with Thomas Edison.
- Tesla's inventions include radio, X-rays, remote control, robots, liquid air, electron microscopes, and particle accelerators.
- Tesla was more interested in science than profit, leading others to steal his ideas.
Entities
Artists
- Jean Echenoz
- Nikola Tesla
- Thomas Edison
Institutions
- Éditions de Minuit
Locations
- Smiljan
- Croatia
- New York
- United States
- Southeastern Europe
Sources
- artpress —