French Literature Reviews - 2026
Agnès & Cécile Pivot, Bernard Pivot. A Taste for Others
Writers: Biography, Letters and Memoirs
Featuring a text by Pierre Assouline of the Académie Goncourt.
“For this book, my father took over my office. He took up all the space, which I gladly gave him. I spent my days by his side, reading dozens of articles, rewatching his shows. I wanted the selected photos, chosen from his albums, to be paired with written documents, quotes, testimonials, interviews, book excerpts, tweets… To capture the formidable literary journalist he was, but not only that. He was a passionate fan of football and wine, and a true connoisseur of both the bottle and the ball.
He harbored another unwavering love, for the region of his childhood, Beaujolais. He had a genuine love for others and knew how to appreciate life's joys to the fullest. Luck was almost always on his side, and he never ceased to be grateful for it. He loved life, it seems to me, as few people do. And life returned the favor.” — Cécile Pivot
From his childhood to the Académie Goncourt, from Lire to Bouillon de culture by way of Apostrophes, but also through football matches and grape harvests in Beaujolais, this highly personal album retraces the life of Bernard Pivot. In these pages, readers will rediscover with joy and a touch of nostalgia the passion and enthusiasm that drove this great lover of words and books.
This biographical album retraces the trajectory of Bernard Pivot, from his childhood to his place in French literary life. The volume highlights his iconic television programs such as Apostrophes and Bouillon de culture, alongside his stewardship of the magazine Lire and his membership in the Académie Goncourt. Beyond the realm of letters, the text captures his deep personal attachments, including his lifelong passion for football, his appreciation for wine, and his enduring affection for the Beaujolais region.
Composed through a blend of selected photographs, written documents, quotes, testimonials, interviews, and book excerpts, the work offers a portrait of a literary journalist. It reflects upon his enthusiasm for words, his love of life, and his genuine interest in other people, framed by contributions from family and peers such as Pierre Assouline. Readers interested in twentieth-century French literary journalism and cultural broadcasting may find this pictorial overview relevant to their interests.