Anne Maguet, manager of Lou Calen, tells us about the new bookstore
An interview with Anne Maguet, the woman at the helm of the new bookstore
Why open a bookstore in Lou Calen?
Until now, there was no bookstore in Cotignac, so this was born from a request not only from local residents but also from passing visitors. Furthermore, we had discovered that other hotels had their own bookstore spaces, and we felt compelled to develop this idea in our own.
What are the different sections or genres that are offered?
First we established the main groups of books: fiction, human sciences, fine arts, practical, tourism and youth. Then we created sub-genres: such as French literature, translated literature, thrillers, adult comics in fiction but also philosophy, history, economics in human sciences, or painting, sculpture, photography in fine arts. And of course, a section of books in English which has been very fruitful all summer.
How did you select the 4,000 book titles?
Little by little, we are refining our selection to make sure we offer as many titles as possible. When we first opened, we built up a collection of great classics and current literary successes.
Since then, we have developed a “regional” section which includes classic authors such as Marcel Pagnol or Jean Giono (in novels or comics) but also more contemporary authors such as René Frégni or Pierre Magnan, English-speaking lovers of Provence such as Peter Mayle, and comics telling local legends (for example Gaspard de Besse) and some beautiful books and guides on Provence; this section is a real success and is refreshed frequently. Some of these books are also available in both English and French.
Then, we are paying attention to the book world updates in order to anticipate movie releases or series adapted from novels (The Count of Monte Cristo, It Ends With Us, etc.), as well as major events or exhibitions that will be happening in the coming months. I also try to follow literary news on certain sites or podcasts so that we don’t “miss” any up-and-coming titles.
And then, of course, there are the favourites of the Lou Calen team and those of customers, who make recommendations and give us ideas, and local authors, whom we will be happy to welcome, such as Huguette Caren’s cookbook, which is being published this winter.
What are the books that sold the most this summer?
And then, of course, there are the favourites of the Lou Calen team and those of customers, who make recommendations and give us ideas, and local authors, whom we will be happy to welcome, such as Huguette Caren’s cookbook, which is being published this winter.
Provence, a small hedonistic atlas, which a very beautiful book of photos with advice on visits, itineraries, etc.
The comic strip collection of Pagnol’s classics: César, Marius, La gloire de mon père, Le château de ma mère, etc.
Popular authors have also sold very well of course, such as Joel Dicker, Guillaume Musso, Melissa Da Costa, Virginie Grimaldi, but also classic thrillers like Agatha Christie novels or more current ones from Fred Vargas or Franck Thillez.
Could you recommend some titles that you are particularly proud of?
In terms of foreign authors, I have to mention Haruki Murakami with Kafka on the shore, which is a truly stunning read, and then also the recommendation from a member of our Lou Calen team: The Exception by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, an Icelandic author, which has been a real discovery.
For thrillers, we can mention En eaux vives, the latest fiction by Alice Pol, who is an actress totally in love with Cotignac.
The bedside book to reread without limit, Sur les chemins noirs by Sylvain Tesson
Le monde sans fin, by Jancovici-Blain, the essential comic strip for environmental awareness that looks towards a new approach to our consumption.
And finally, for young people, a bit of mischief with the adventures of La Famille Quichon, L’année du Mistouflon à Lourmarin, the horrible Cornebidouille – or the timeless Je t’aimerai toujours quoi qu’il arrive, by Debi Gliori for an essential evening cuddles in a book.
In English-language books, we recommend James by Percival Everett, a book referenced in Barack Obama’s summer reading tips.
Pour les polars, nous pouvons évoquer En eaux vives, la dernière fiction d’Alice Pol, actrice amoureuse de Cotignac d’ailleurs.
Le livre de chevet à relire sans limite, Sur les chemins noirs de Sylvain Tesson
Le monde sans fin, de Jancovici-Blain, la BD incontournable pour la prise de conscience environnementale et vers une nouvelle approche de notre consommation.
Et enfin, côté jeunesse, un peu d’espièglerie avec les aventures de La Famille Quichon, L’année du Mistouflon à Lourmarin, l’horrible Cornebidouille, ou encore l’indémodable Je t’aimerai toujours quoi qu’il arrive, de Debi Gliori pour les incontournables câlins du soir.
Dans les livres anglophones, nous pouvons citer James de Percival Everett, livre référencé dans les conseils lecture de l’été de Barack Obama.
What are your reading recommendations for this fall?
L’impossible retour by Amélie Nothomb, Jacaranda by Gael Faye, Jour de ressac by Maylis de Kerangal.
Do you offer book-related events?
Starting in November, we are organising meetings with authors for discussion and booksignings. We have already done this in the past at La Tuf with our Literary Beer evenings. The first author to honour us with her presence is Phoebe Wynne. On Saturday 23rd November, she will come to talk to us about her two English novels that have met with great acclaim: Madam and The Ruins. We will also have the pleasure of welcoming Àxel Graisely, René Frégni, Huguette Caren and Patricia Ortelli soon. Other author events are currently being arranged. Stay connected to find out when!
