Changing the Narrative to Change the World

This reading group will explore, in eight sessions, a selection of literary works that have “transcended the time and place of their origin,” in the spirit of Martin Bodmer’s definition of Weltliteratur — or world literature — as dear to Goethe. A literary journey across time and continents, guided by the shared affinities of the participants.

Historian of art, Hélène Leibkutsch moves between languages and cultures, driven by her passion for art, literature, and music. She holds a Master of Arts from the University of Geneva, where she studied art history, general linguistics, and English, as well as a CAS in Cultural Institution Promotion from the University of Neuchâtel. With international experience in art history and the art market, she has maintained a deep interest in literature throughout her career. She served on the board of the Société de Lecture, acting as vice-president for two terms (2008–2010; 2012–2019), and chaired the Reading Commission (2010–2021), where she remains an active member.

In French.

Jakuta Alikavazovic, winner of the Prix Goncourt du premier roman, is presented by Alexandre Demidoff in an extended interview about her new book Au grand jamais (Gallimard, 2025). Her acclaimed bibliography includes Corps volatil, La blonde et le bunker, L’avancée de la nuit and Comme un ciel en nous.

The conversation examines family figures, unspoken tensions and the experience of exile, tracing continuities across her work and exploring narrative form, memory and identity.

In French.