French Literature Reviews - 2026
(Queneau) New issue of Les Amis de Valentin Brû
Writers: Biography, Letters and Memoirs
Issue 32-33 of the new series of Les Amis de Valentin Brû, entitled Remembrances de Claude Simonnet sur Raymond Queneau, was published at the end of March 2004.
Table of contents:
- Introduction, by Astrid Bouygues
- Interview with Claude Simonnet, conducted by Astrid Bouygues and Daniel Delbreil, transcribed by Astrid Bouygues and Bertrand Tassou, edited and annotated by Astrid Bouygues
- “Time and weather: le temps chez Queneau” (reissue, featuring an introduction by Astrid Bouygues, of Claude Simonnet's article originally published in Les Lettres Nouvelles in 1961)
- Photographic report and illustrations by Frèd Blanc
The journal's new layout was designed by the Edo agency.
Representing the culmination of some thirty years of personal association with Raymond Queneau and sixty years of critical reflection on his work, Remembrances de Claude Simonnet is a landmark publication, significant both in the history of Queneau scholarship and in the "sentimental" history of the AVB. Not only had Claude Simonnet—whose discretion is legendary—never before spoken publicly about his relationship with Queneau, but he had also never taken the opportunity to share how his thoughts on certain points had evolved since the 1962 publication of his book Queneau déchiffré. Remaining steadfastly detached from all the controversies that have stirred the small world of Queneau scholars over recent decades, he had not picked up his pen in twenty years.
The core of this issue consists of the transcript of an extensive interview with Claude Simonnet. It tells what can rightfully be called the story of a passion: how it was born, how it developed, and so forth. The first part, divided into several chronological periods, focuses on his memories of Raymond Queneau as a man, set against the backdrop of the various eras discussed. Along the way, we encounter numerous other prominent figures: Alexandre Kojève, Georges Bataille, Maurice Nadeau, Jean Kanapa, Dionys Mascolo, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Marcel Duhamel... The second part delves more deeply into a reflection on the meaning of the work. It takes into account the advancements in Queneau scholarship since Claude Simonnet's last writings, measuring the distance between some of his past assertions and his current convictions. Occasionally, though not as a primary goal, Claude engages in a dialogue with those who have challenged his writings or expressed views he does not share. While the tone is never polemical, certain positions he takes will undoubtedly come as a surprise.
The interview with Claude Simonnet is followed by the reissue—published with the kind permission of Maurice Nadeau, whom we gratefully acknowledge—of “Time and weather: le temps chez Raymond Queneau,” an article originally published in Les Lettres Nouvelles in 1961. Not only had this article become difficult to access, but our dialogue with Claude on themes such as history and History reminded us of its enduring importance. It is preceded by an introduction that demonstrates, if proof were needed, that Claude Simonnet's reflection on Queneau remains as vibrant as ever, highlighting the fruitfulness of the interpretive paths he has traced throughout his life.
For any inquiries regarding ordering procedures for this issue or joining the Association des Amis de Valentin Brû, contact Christine Méry, AVB Treasurer, 10 bis rue Auguste Chevallier, 37800 Sainte Maure de Touraine. christine.mery@wanadoo.fr
The study of Raymond Queneau, a central figure of 20th-century French literature and a founding member of the Oulipo, has long been shaped by diverse critical perspectives. This issue of Les Amis de Valentin Brû, titled Remembrances de Claude Simonnet sur Raymond Queneau, documents the evolution of Claude Simonnet, whose 1962 work Queneau déchiffré is a reference point for scholars. It records the personal and intellectual associations between Simonnet and figures such as Alexandre Kojève, Georges Bataille, Maurice Nadeau, Jean Kanapa, Dionys Mascolo, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Marcel Duhamel.
The volume contains an interview with Claude Simonnet, conducted by Astrid Bouygues and Daniel Delbreil, which traces his memories of Queneau and his reflections on the author's work. It also includes a reissue of Simonnet's 1961 article, “Time and weather: le temps chez Queneau,” with an introduction by Astrid Bouygues. Readers interested in the history of French literary criticism and the reception of Queneau's work may find these reflections relevant.