Patrick Modiano is a highly acclaimed French-language literary fiction author and playwright, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2014. Born in July 1945, Modiano has had a successful writing career, earning him numerous prestigious awards, including the 1972 Grand prix du roman de l'Académie française and the 1978 Prix Goncourt. His parents met in occupied Paris during World War II, and his childhood was marked by an absent father and a Flemish-actress mother who often traveled for work. This unique upbringing had a significant impact on Modiano's writing, which often explores themes of memory, identity, and loss.
Modiano's writing career began in earnest when he was introduced to the literary world by Raymond Queneau, a family friend and author of "Zazie dans le métro". After taking geometry lessons from Queneau at Henri-IV lycee, Modiano entered the Sorbonne, but did not complete his studies. Instead, he began writing, publishing his first novel, "La Place de l’Étoile", with Gallimard in 1968. From that point on, Modiano dedicated himself to writing, producing a body of work that has been translated into more than 30 languages and celebrated in France and beyond.
Modiano's personal life has also influenced his writing. In 1970, he married Dominique Zerhfuss, and they had two daughters, Zina and Marie. During an interview in 2003, Modiano recalled their wedding day with humor and affection, despite the rain and an argument between their groomsmen, Queneau and Malraux. Modiano has cited "Le cœur est un chasseur solitaire" by Carson McCullers as one of the books that had a significant impact on his writing life.
In summary, Patrick Modiano is a highly respected French-language author and playwright, best known for his thought-provoking and raw historical fiction pieces. Born in 1945, Modiano grew up in a unique household that influenced his writing, which often explores themes of memory, identity, and loss. He has won numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2014, and his works have been translated into more than 30 languages. Modiano's personal life has also had an impact on his writing, and he continues to be a celebrated figure in French literature.