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Zones
"Dans la soirée, après avoir bu deux ou trois poires en conclusion de mon dîner, dans un état donc, de légère ébriété, je suis descendu vers la gare Saint-Lazare en ruminant la lancinante question de ce que je pourrais bien faire, en voyage à Paris, qui ne soit pas du journalisme pittoresque ou de la sociologie de comptoir. Heureusement, les poires ne tardèrent pas, si je puis dire, à porter leurs fruits. Ainsi éprouvai-je bientôt le sentiment d'être suivi, dans la rue de Rome autrement déserte, par un type amoché que j'avais remarqué auparavant et qui portait un pansement sur l'oeil droit."
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 14, 1995
11 people want to read
About the author
Jean Rolin
42 books12 followersJean Rolin is a French writer and journalist known for his distinctive narrative style and profound exploration of sociopolitical issues. Born on June 14, 1949, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Rolin has had a career marked by an interplay between journalism and literature. His works often blend fiction and reportage, creating a unique hybrid that reflects his sharp observational skills and deep engagement with the world.
Rolin studied literature at the University of Paris but found himself drawn to the tumultuous political landscape of the 1960s. He became actively involved in leftist movements, an experience that later influenced his writing, particularly in his nuanced depictions of political and social dynamics.
His career as a journalist took him to various parts of the globe, including Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. These experiences enriched his literary work, as he frequently draws upon his travels to craft vivid narratives. His writing captures not only the physical landscapes but also the complexities of human existence in these regions.
Rolin’s literary debut came in 1980 with "Journal de Gand aux Aléoutiennes, a work that set the tone for his blend of memoir, travelogue, and fiction. He has since published numerous books, including L'Explosion de la durite (1997), Le Ravissement de Britney Spears (2011), and Les Événements (2020). His works are characterized by an understated yet incisive humor, a keen eye for detail, and an ability to illuminate the absurdities of contemporary life.
In addition to his literary achievements, Rolin has been recognized with several awards, including the prestigious Prix Médicis in 1996 for L'Homme qui a vu l'ours and the Prix Ptolémée in 2014 for Ormuz.
Rolin studied literature at the University of Paris but found himself drawn to the tumultuous political landscape of the 1960s. He became actively involved in leftist movements, an experience that later influenced his writing, particularly in his nuanced depictions of political and social dynamics.
His career as a journalist took him to various parts of the globe, including Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. These experiences enriched his literary work, as he frequently draws upon his travels to craft vivid narratives. His writing captures not only the physical landscapes but also the complexities of human existence in these regions.
Rolin’s literary debut came in 1980 with "Journal de Gand aux Aléoutiennes, a work that set the tone for his blend of memoir, travelogue, and fiction. He has since published numerous books, including L'Explosion de la durite (1997), Le Ravissement de Britney Spears (2011), and Les Événements (2020). His works are characterized by an understated yet incisive humor, a keen eye for detail, and an ability to illuminate the absurdities of contemporary life.
In addition to his literary achievements, Rolin has been recognized with several awards, including the prestigious Prix Médicis in 1996 for L'Homme qui a vu l'ours and the Prix Ptolémée in 2014 for Ormuz.
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November 30, 2025
Ce livre est une des premières manifestations de ce système narratif que Rolin va utiliser à foison dans la suite de la production littéraire. Mais contrairement à ses autres livres, ici il n’énonce pas de but en blanc son projet, il faut un peu de temps pour comprendre ce que fait ce narrateur, qui prend des chambres à Paris ou en banlieue et décrit des petites scènes et pausages urbains (ou banlieusards).
Souvent ses observations semblent répondre aux débats et questions sociales de l’époque : jeunesse présumée délinquante, diversité culturelle, urbanisme des banlieues. Il exprime ses opinions de manière plus directe et péremptoire qu’il ne le fera plus tard. De même, il est franc sur ses appréciations sur le charme des femmes et jeunes filles qu’il croise, pensées qui traversent l’esprit de bien des hommes (tous ?) mais qu’il convient de garder pour soi.
Il gagnera par la suite en esprit et en sous-entendu, ce qui me plaît davantage mais peut aussi a contrario être considéré comme une forme d’embourgeoisement.
Souvent ses observations semblent répondre aux débats et questions sociales de l’époque : jeunesse présumée délinquante, diversité culturelle, urbanisme des banlieues. Il exprime ses opinions de manière plus directe et péremptoire qu’il ne le fera plus tard. De même, il est franc sur ses appréciations sur le charme des femmes et jeunes filles qu’il croise, pensées qui traversent l’esprit de bien des hommes (tous ?) mais qu’il convient de garder pour soi.
Il gagnera par la suite en esprit et en sous-entendu, ce qui me plaît davantage mais peut aussi a contrario être considéré comme une forme d’embourgeoisement.
Displaying 1 of 1 review