Zazie in the Metro, 2013
This was taken last Friday on Platform 3 of Charing Cross station, London, UK (so, not the Metro and almost definitely not someone called Zazie).
Zazie in the Metro is a novel by Raymond Queneau. It was published in 1959. The edition on our shelves was published in 2000 and was translated into English by Barbara Wright.
The book was Raymond Queneau’s first commercial success (a fact which bothered him somewhat because he considered the book lightweight), and was written in colloquial French. Queneau was a poet, novelist and co-founder of the literary/ mathematical group, Ouvroir de littérature potentielle (Oulipo)*.
Here’s what it says on the back cover: “Impish, foul-mouthed Zazie arrives in Paris from the country to stay with her female-impersonator Uncle Gabriel. All she really wants to do is ride the metro, but finding it shut because of a strike, Zazie looks for other means of amusement and is soon caught up in a comic adventure that becomes wilder and more manic by the minute.”
And here’s the first paragraph:
Howcanaystinksotho, wondered Gabriel, exasperated. Ts incredible, they never clean themselves. It says in the paper that not eleven percent of the flats in Paris have bathrooms, doesn’t surprise me, but you can wash without. They can’t make much of an effort, all this lot around me. On the other hand, it’s not as if they’ve been specially hand-picked form the dosses of Paris. Zno reason. They’re only here by accident. You really can’t assume that people who meet people at the Gare d’Austerlitz smell worse than people who meet people at the Gare de Lyon. No really, zno reason. All the same, what a smell.
Frankly, it’s hilarious and I vigorously recommend you read it.
In 1960, Louis Malle adapted the book for cinema. It has also been staged as a play and been published as a comic book.
In our house, this book can be found: sitting room, right-hand bookshelves, third shelf down.
* Georges Perec, who I wrote a bit about here was also a member.
* * *
Thanks to the usual suspects (John, Deanne and Terry) for title shenanigans and Richard at CK Ponderings for being a super-cool collaborator. Our latest collaboration can be found one post back.
Very good, Richard. I like her expression and the tones are so warm.
Thanks very much, Ashley. She was watching the snow falling just beyond the shelter of a footbridge.
i like queneau very much. one of my all time favourites is his (of course rather formally brilliant) exercices de style.
and this is a great candid, richard!
Yes, brilliant! Thanks so much! I love the shot of the trees in your latest post – it’s got a very nice character to it.
Very well captured, there is something with her mouth / smile
– a thoughtful ironic or tolerant smile..? 🙂 😉
Thanks very much! Yes, there’s something – she was watching the snow falling – that’s the only clue. 🙂
Wonderful shot. Such great light and tones. I absolutely love Zazie, and recently came across my marked-up copy in French, which I first read as an undergrad. I had to look up so many words at the time! It’s now one of my favorite books to read with my own students.
Thanks very much, Melanie. Yes, I love it! Your students are very lucky. 🙂
I love your build up to the story- she is beautifully proud.
Thanks very much – yes, and contemplative?
Absolutely!
Contentment personified… 🙂
Yes, she looks pretty happy – just after this, it chucked it down with snow.
Probably thinking “snow day, it’s a snow day… won’t be in work for long…” 😉
Your portrait subject has a lot of character. I guess she didn’t know you were stealing her soul…?
I could imagine her with a name like Zazie, actually.
No, I don’t think so – she didn’t turn round – I think she was completely lost in thought. I should have asked her name.
So many micro emotions on that beautiful face. Wonderful.
Thanks so much, Elena. Yes, she looked so thoughtful, I just had to take the shot.
Great title for this post.
Thank you, Sir!
Another great introduction to a book.
Thanks, Deanne. More books soon…we got a load of new ones in the holidays.
You’re churning out some excellent portraits.
Thanks so much, Stevie. I take that as a big compliment coming from you.
poetic shot
Thanks, Barbara. It’s nice to be able to capture a quiet moment now and then. I was really close to her – I’m really surprised I didn’t disturb her, but she seemed to be in a reverie.
I love this! 🙂
Thank you so much, Gigi! Love your writing! 🙂
This is a stunning portrait Richard, the lighting is perfect with it and the way all the tones compliment one another, just makes it wonderful.
Thanks so much, Leanne. That’s a great compliment coming from you – thanks!