From Reality to Fiction: Symphony of Monsters by Marc Levy

In English

Marc Levy, the most widely read French author worldwide, often uses fiction as a vehicle to explore large-scale contemporary political and humanitarian themes. His stories capture the fate of ordinary citizens seeking humanity, justice and love while facing wars, terrorism, dictatorships, cyberwarfare or environmental threats, to name a few of the themes he addresses in his books, based on meticulous research. “I write” he said “so that no one can say they didn’t know”.

“The Symphony of Monsters”- just released in English by Harpervia, an imprint of Harper Collins – centers on the deportation and rescue of a Ukrainian child stolen by Russian forces. It draws inspiration from the very real, large and chilling Russian program to erase Ukrainian identity by forcibly deporting thousands of children for indoctrination and adoption into Russian families.

How does reality inform fiction? Why are these political and humanitarian themes so central to Marc Levy’s books? What sources does he use? What impact can popular fiction have on the political awareness and beliefs of readers? How is erasing national and cultural identity a weapon of war? These are some of the questions that Marc Levy will address in conversation with Emily Hamilton, producer of four ground-breaking documentaries by Bernard-Henri Lévy on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The event will be introduced by Dora Chomiak, a native New Yorker, currently serves as the CEO of Razom, the largest U.S. nonprofit focused entirely on supporting Ukraine.

This event is made possible by LICRA, USA as part of their ongoing series on Human Rights.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher La Maison Française of NYU