For the Love of Books

This weekend I attended the annual book festival in Montpellier w Comedie des Livres. This is held over ten days, and is an enormous and popular event which sheds light on the enormous respect that is given to books within the French culture. Many different booksellers were there, together with authors and publishers. Books ranged from popular genres,works of literature, through bande dessinées( comic strips) to children's picture books. There were also to be a large number of question and answer sessions with authors. This all takes place in the beautiful Parc Peyrotte, high above the city. On Saturday morning I arrived thirty minutes early, but already a large crowd had built up, waiting for admission.

On Saturday morning I arrived early , to see that a large crowd was already gathering outside , a testimony to the high regard in which books are held in France. My own stories had already been placed on display amongst the English section, so I took the opportunity of exploring further. Many different bookshops and publishers were busily setting out their books, and authors were arriving to meet the crowds. I spoke to a publisher of children's books , read profiles of French authors , and just enjoyed this beautiful setting. Two tents had been set aside for talks with authors which were to run over the next three days. Deserted now, but not for long.

A ten o'clock the gates were opened and people poured in. Young and old. Able and infirm. People of all nationalities, both tourists and residents of Montpellier. The crowd was as diverse as the books that were on display. Very soon the aisles were full of people , bending over to explore books, and conversing with authors. I enjoyed my time there immensely and learned so much from the people who engaged with me. One mother wanted to buy one of my books for her teenage son, to encourage him to read in English. An elderly lady confessed that she had once translated from English into French. She chose to read 'The Scent of Wild Garlic. 'An elegant French lady from Paris wished to improve her English. Every encounter was unique. It was fun too to just watch people as they passed by and surmise what sort of books they might be seeking.

I decided to take a break and explored the area outside. Some people were reading books under the trees along the promenade. At one end, stands the beautiful Arc de Triomphe, whilst at the other end stands a beautiful hexagonal water tower, with Les Arceaux, the ancient aquaducts beyond.

As midday passed, my session was drawing to a close. Soon, it would be time to pack up my books to make room for the next author. As I journeyed home I had time to reflect on the people I had met over the past two days. So many of them had come to live in France from countries such as America and Peru. We all agreed what a wonderful country this is. What makes France so special is the way that it values its books and authors. It is law that every book should retail at the set price. No retailer can undercut the others. Moreover, even as a diminutive self-published author, I feel welcome here. My local bookshop in Lodève is happy to sell my books too What's more , Salome, of Le Bookshop in Montpellier, has been supportive since that first day when, in trepidation, I took my first book along to show her. Thank you so much for your support Salome.