Two sisters, two books, a single meeting, which promises to be unique. At the Book Fair Amélie and Juliette Nothomb are the protagonists (Friday 10 May, Sala Azzurra, pav. 3 at 3.45pm) of a dialogue moderated by Nadia Terranova, to present their latest works: “Psicopompo” and “In Praise of the Horse” published in Italy by Voland.
Juliette fell in love with horses as a child, while Amélie preferred birds; the first tells of her childhood with her sister, the second focuses instead on an abuse she suffered and on the saving power of writing. Amélie, a prolific and much-loved author, and Juliette, who in addition to being a writer is also an excellent cook (as evidenced by “La cucina di Amélie”, already published by Voland). Daughters of a Belgian diplomat, they grew up very close, traveling the world.
The “sisterhood”: is there such a strong bond that can unite women?
Amélie Nothomb: «Of course, it is a bond that can exist. It has to be decided. It is necessary. Sisterhood is the opposite of what the patriarchy has suggested over time, doing everything to believe that women should be rivals.”
You are sisters and accomplices, however.
Juliette Nothomb: «The relationship between sisters can be something very powerful, but it is not necessarily an obligation. The “soul sisters”, linked by the heart, can experience such a great love even if there is not a single blood bond.”
Do animals have the same protagonist role in your personal story as they do in the stories you tell in books?
AN: «Yes, I spend a lot of time observing birds, my totem animals. They inspire me, both in life and in writing.”
JN: «During our childhood and adolescence, we had many animals: canaries, parrots, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and goldfish. So if animals appear in some of my books and why I consider them important characters in the story. Our mother said: “Who are we to dare say that animals are inferior to human beings?” and I think she was right.”
In addition to animals, protagonists of the works presented at the Salone, death and food – which express antithetical concepts – are two recurring themes. Does Juliette’s passion for cooking have a connection with the difficult relationship Amélie had with food?
AN: “Yes, certainly. When I eat a dish prepared by Juliette, it is an absolute communion.”
JN: «Our condition, like that of all living creatures, is linked to food. The absence of food means death. But it’s not that simple: food is also linked to the heart, love and memories. So, it can be hell or heaven.”
And the relationship with death?
JN: «Unlike my sister, I don’t like anything related to mystery, the invisible or death at all. Whether all these things exist or not, I don’t know, but since they scare me a little, I do like the ostrich, I hide my head in the sand.”
AN:“Because death tends to scare people.”
Is it easier to talk to the living or the dead?
AN:“It depends on each person, whether they are alive or dead – and on each animal!”
Does your relationship with nature and animals come from the many cultures you frequented growing up?
AN: “Without a doubt, Shinto and Hindu animism helped us perceive the power of the animal.”
In “Psicopompo” Amélie recounts a dramatic moment she experienced as a young girl. Is writing the means you use to deal with life’s difficulties?
AN: «Since I was 17, yes. And since I was that age there has never been a day when she hasn’t written.”
JN: “Unlike my dear sister, who cannot bear to live a single day without writing, I am able to go an entire day without jotting down a line.”
Write by hand, slowly, or write on the computer?
AN: «Only by hand. It’s not the slowest method, but it’s the most physical.”
JN: «I write on my laptop. I use my ten fingers without looking at the keyboard, and I’m fast as lightning.”
If words could be saved in “Imaginary Life”, what would they be?
AN and JN: «The French word “cramoisi”, in Italian “crimisi”, which indicates dark red, and the expression “loin s’en faut”, which means “indeed”: used too rarely».
