The 1st novel by Jean-Philippe Savignoni

Conteur, conferential guide and writer, Jean-Philippe Savignoni signs with The Demoiselles of Bastia His first novel. Therefore, A story inspired by a family history, in which memory, humor and mystery intertwine. Furthermore,

You were born in Rodez, but your roots plunge in Corsica.
I was born from a Lorraine mother and a father from Pietra-Di-Verde, in Castagniccia. In addition, A region immersed in an ocean of chestnuts and green shale, nourished by traditions, poetry and faith. Meanwhile, My father spoke little about his island. Similarly, Her silences made her even more mysterious. However, He was himself an island, difficult to approach. Therefore, It was after his death that I discovered Corsica, convinced that he had returned there in one way or another. Similarly,

How has Corsica 1st novel jean-philippe savignoni transmitted to you from Rodez?
By scraps, by memories. For example, There was the music of the language, which I heard when he phoned. For example, There were also these Figatelli packages sent every Christmas by my aunts. Nevertheless, Madeleine and Devote – two strong personalities, who are also at the heart of my novel. Moreover, And then there was the God save you queenplayed every Sunday on an old Disque Tour. Meanwhile, like an intimate and solemn mass. Therefore, Corsica is this mixture of sounds, smells and striking figures. Therefore,

What is your background?
I am Aveyron of birth, a country of transhumance, traditions and resistance – a bit like Corsica. Meanwhile, I have been a guide-conferential for forty years. especially at the Fenaille museum, in Rodez, where I work around archeology and the 1st novel jean-philippe savignoni famous menhirs. These stone people inevitably bring me back to Filitosa or Patrimonio.

When and how did you start writing?
I have been writing for thirty years. First on the legendary and the stories collected during evenings. Modest, human stories, often forgotten. Writing, for me, is a way of reviving the absent, of keeping what I call a little “white of snow”.

We call you heritage storyteller …
I claim this role. A guide is an interpreter, just like an actor or a musician. He vibrates the stones, dance the shadows. I like to transmit this thrill of history, this feeling that the absent are still there.

Why go to the novel today?
Reality was no longer enough for me. 1st novel jean-philippe savignoni No childhood memories either. I wanted to start from a true, family story, with real characters. In Corsica, we often meet novel figures. I added a crime to it, because a Corsican novel needs salt. My aunts, met after my father’s death, served me guides – they led me on strange paths, sometimes almost mystical. On this island, the dead are alive, and the living very alive. The novel gave me a breakaway. It allowed me to disappear in the maquis.

What is the starting point for Demoiselles of Bastia ?
I come back to Corsica to the death of my father. I hope to collect the memory of my aunts, but a murder occurs in their building, with their kitchen knife … Here I am embarked in a Corsica that is both bright, funny and overwhelming.

Is the story inspired by real facts?
Yes, largely. My aunts were already novel characters. They lived at 9 Boulevard Gaudin, in Bastia. War widows, suicidal hitchhiking, queens of the change of conversation. It was enough to watch them live. The crime has been added to get them out of their homes!

The characters are endearing. Can we hope for a sequel?
I am already asked. For the moment, I have no other book in progress, but the idea seduces me. I imagine my aunts put the mess on the continent. accompanied by my cousin, a colorful character that we also meet in the novel.

And your projects?
I’m interested in a tragic story: the sinking of Balkan During the night 1st novel jean-philippe savignoni of August 15 to 16, 1918. Torpilated by a German submarine, this vapor, which provided the Marseille-Bastia liaison left more than 400 people. Among them, Marie Savignoni, née Innocenzi. His name is engraved on the Pietra-Di-Verde war memorial. Maybe the starting point for a next story …