Ernaux and de Beauvoir - Youth, Sex and Writing

This reading group begins in late July and assumes familiarity with Annie Ernaux’s writings. We will delve into Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex to examine how the socio-political backdrop of her time influenced Ernaux’s formative years, her writing, and her understanding of sexuality. Ernaux herself reflects on de Beauvoir’s profound impact, stating, “To grasp the impact of Simone de Beauvoir’s book (The Second Sex), one must grasp the political and social context of the era.” For Ernaux, encountering de Beauvoir’s work in the late 1950s was transformative, offering a lens to reevaluate her adolescence and define her identity as a woman—a daunting and empowering revelation.

If you are interested in joining us, please email booksandpulsations@gmail.com or julideda@gmail.com