A history of Europe like you've never read before.
"For some time now, Europe seems to have forgotten it is the daughter of epics and utopia. It has been drained by its inability to remind its citizens of this. Too distant, disembodied, the concept often arouses nothing more than disillusioned boredom. And yet, the history of Europe is one of constant upheaval. So much fire and death; inventions and art, too. Literature, perhaps, can remind us of this: that the European history is one of muscle, vigour, passion, anger and joy. Words of literature, perhaps, can restore conviction and momentum, which make everything possible, to the heart of the story."
From the industrial revolution through two world wars and to the birth of the European Union, Our Europe sets in free verse the story of 150 years of growth, confrontation, hope, defeat and passion. Our Europe is a heartfelt appeal to bring into being a Europe that celebrates difference, solidarity, and freedom.
A history of Europe like you've never read before. From the industrial revolution through two world wars and to the birth of the European Union, Our Europe sets in free verse the story of 150 years of growth, confrontation, hope, defeat and passion.
Praise for Our Europe
"Every writer bears witness to his time. It makes sense, therefore, that Laurent Gaudé; has written Our Europe. He does so as a courageous poet, who first paints an unsettling picture and then elegantly informs us of what must be done to return Europe to its values and its destiny."-Tahar Ben Jelloun, Le Point
"An epic full of hope."-Public Sénat TV
"Laurent Gaudé;, with his mastery of rhythm, fluidity, and lyricism, has composed a poem that sails between ode, fiction, and political pamphlet."-Oriane Jeancourt, Transfuge
“It appears that it will not be a captain but a poet to steer the ship of Europe to safe waters.”—Gladys Marivat, Lire
“This poem, as serpentine as a river, questions European identity, diversity, and territorial reach as it worries over Europe’s uncertain future. A magnificent text.”—Flavie Philippon, Elle
“Remarkable! Everything is here, absolutely everything that you love: literature, poetry, and storytelling. Indispensable. I adored it!”—François Busnel, France 5
“A book of stunning power. Paints a devastating portrait of the strange entity that is Europe as it is endangered by the rise in power of Europhobes.”—Laurence Houot, franceinfo
Praise for Hear Our Defeats
"A message about time, violence and humanity."
-TLS
"Urgent, epic, this philosophical novel encourages both lucidity and humility, to try and save what beauty is left in the world."
-Les Echos
"A crazy and wise book."
-Le Figaro Litte?raire
"Laurent Gaude?'s book, in which the very pulse of the world can be felt . . . brings us news of our own history in the making."
-Le Monde des Livres
"An Iliad for our times."
-L'Echo de Bruxelles
