Exteriors

Exteriors is a collection of random journal entries over seven years, capturing the feeling of contemporary living on the outskirts of Paris. It is the most ecstatic of Ernaux's books, free of haunting personal relationships and able to leave the past behind.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2021
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

Over the course of seven years, Exteriors takes the form of random journal entries, delving into the fleeting encounters that occur on the fringes of one's lived environment. Through her poignant and lyrical prose, Ernaux captures the essence of contemporary life on the outskirts of Paris, evoking a sense of chaos and yet, paradoxically, a profound sense of aliveness. In this novel, Ernaux achieves a remarkable sense of liberation, marking the first in which she appears largely free from the personal relationships that have haunted her writing. Moreover, it signifies her ability to move beyond the past and embrace a new chapter in her artistic journey.

Exteriors is a captivating exploration of the human experience, offering a profound insight into the complexities of contemporary life. Ernaux's writing is characterized by its poetic beauty, its ability to convey the emotional weight of fleeting moments, and its nuanced portrayal of the human condition. Through her characters, she explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the search for meaning in the world.

One of the most striking aspects of Exteriors is its portrayal of the periphery. Ernaux delves into the lives of individuals who exist on the margins of society, those who are marginalized by society and yet who manage to find a sense of belonging and purpose in their lives. These characters are often overlooked or misunderstood, but Ernaux shows them to be complex and fully realized individuals with their own stories to tell.

Through her exploration of the periphery, Ernaux challenges the notion of what it means to be a central character in society. She suggests that the periphery is not a place of isolation or marginalization, but rather a place of richness and complexity. By focusing on the lives of these characters, Ernaux invites us to reevaluate our assumptions about what it means to be human and to recognize the value of all individuals, regardless of their position in society.

Another notable aspect of Exteriors is its exploration of the relationship between the individual and the environment. Ernaux shows how the environment can shape and influence the individual, and how the individual can in turn shape and influence the environment. She explores the ways in which the natural world can provide solace and inspiration, as well as the ways in which it can be a source of danger and destruction.

Through her writing, Ernaux invites us to consider the impact of our actions on the environment and to take responsibility for our role in shaping the world around us. She encourages us to embrace a more sustainable and ethical approach to living, to recognize the interconnectedness of all things, and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, Exteriors is a remarkable work of literature that offers a profound exploration of the human experience. Through its poetic prose, its nuanced portrayal of the human condition, and its exploration of the periphery, Ernaux invites us to reevaluate our assumptions about what it means to be human and to recognize the value of all individuals, regardless of their position in society. This novel is a testament to the power of literature to inspire, challenge, and transform us, and to remind us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and sustainability in our lives.

Weight: 122g
Dimension: 195 x 125 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913097684