International conference focuses on notions of movement in contemporary French author Jean Echenoz's work

On 3-5 May 2021, researchers from Europe and North America will participate in a virtual conference on the work of contemporary French author Jean Echenoz, organised by UT Professor of Romance Studies Sara Bédard-Goulet.

In 2019, a second novel by Jean Echenoz was translated into Estonian. A biofiction of Czech runner Emil Zatopek, Running (Fr: Courir, Et: Jooks) takes place during the Soviet Union and describes the process of Zatopek becoming an unmatched running legend. “Jean Echenoz is considered a major figure of contemporary French literature and studying his work is important to understand the imaginary of our time,” says Sara Bédard-Goulet.

Building on the ideas of movement, displacement and gesture present in this novel and in most of Echenoz's work, this conference will pay attention to how bodies move in these narratives. The researchers brought together in this conference question rhythms, pursuits, itineraries, practices, travel, etc. as they are represented and allow us to think about our era, but also in the development of texts, from their production to their reception.

The conference takes place on Zoom and the working language is French. Participation is open for everyone and the conference is free of charge. For the detailed program and the Zoom link, please visit the conference webpage. 

Additional information:
Sara Bédard-Goulet, UT Professor of Romance Studies, sara.bedard-goulet@ut.ee