Photo : BSN
The Lesbian Underpinnings of Literature
Some of the most celebrated names in literature have stories that critics simply chose not to see. Join this deep dive into the hidden queer narratives of French fiction, tracing a lineage from classic icons to modern voices. It is the perfect opportunity to reconsider the shelves of your library through a much clearer, more inclusive lens.
Bibliothèque Sorbonne Nouvelle (Paris 12th)
About
Join the Sorbonne Nouvelle Library on November 17, 2026, for a deep dive into the portrayal of lesbian identity in Francophone literature. This event examines how authors from George Sand to Amélie Nothomb have been shaped, or obscured, by critical reception throughout history. Led by Maria Candea and Anne-Isabelle François as part of the Festival des Fiertés, this hour-long discussion explores the hidden dimensions of thirty selected works of fiction. The session is free to attend, wheelchair accessible, and open to participants aged 18 and over.
The work highlights the different ways in which female homosexuality has been addressed in Francophone literature, through the history of about thirty works of fiction from the late 19th century to the present day. From George Sand to Amélie Nothomb, including Françoise Sagan, Monique Wittig, or Léonora Miano, the book focuses more specifically on works whose lesbian dimension is little known or has been obscured by critics.
Meeting moderated by Maria Candea and Anne-Isabelle François, UFR Literature, Linguistics, Didactics of the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle as part of the Pride Festival of the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th arrondissements.
Our take on this event
On Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:00, the Sorbonne Nouvelle Library in the 12th arrondissement hosts a special presentation on the lesbian undercurrents of French literature. The discussion centers on how female homosexuality has been depicted—or overlooked—across thirty works of fiction spanning from the late 19th century to the present day. Speakers will shed light on authors such as Françoise Sagan, Monique Wittig, and Léonora Miano, focusing on texts where queer themes were historically silenced by literary critics.
The event is moderated by Maria Candea and Anne-Isabelle François, from the Literature, Linguistics, and Didactics department of the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle. It is held within the framework of the Festival des Fiertés, an initiative covering the 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th arrondissements of Paris. Admission is free for all adults aged 18 and older, and the library venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
