LM281 Café Littéraire: Clara Reads Proust

Clara, a young hairdresser in a small town in Burgundy, lives a quiet and predictable life. Her days at Cindy Coiffure are filled with routine conversations, and her personal life feels similarly stagnant. One day, a customer leaves behind a copy of Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust. On a whim, Clara begins reading, unaware that this chance encounter with literature will change her outlook on life.

As she immerses herself in Proust’s world, Clara starts to see her own life differently—her relationships, her job, and the possibilities that lie beyond her small-town existence. The novel explores the transformative power of literature, showing how a single book can ignite self-reflection and inspire change. With humor and warmth, Clara Reads Proust is a celebration of unexpected discoveries and the way stories can reshape our lives.

Originally published in 2022 in French as Clara lit Proust, the book was translated into English by Polly Mackintosh and released in May 2024.

The group will meet at the organizer's apartment on Île Saint Louis, and discuss the book in English. The  door code, telephone number, etc., will be sent in the reminder emails following registration.

Registration for the March meeting opens on 28 February 2025.