Camille Bordas, author of 'How to Behave in a Crowd' and 'The Material,' reads 'Chicago on the Seine.' The story explores repatriation, family connections, childhood memories, industrial espionage, and reflections on fatherhood in Paris.
Exploration of death overseas and beliefs in the afterlife.
Reflections on cultural differences in Paris and universal human connections.
Deep dives
Unexpected Requests After Death
Working in a special consular service in Paris, the protagonist assists in repatriating Americans who pass away abroad. From mundane accidents to tragic endings, he navigates the complexity of death overseas. Unexpectedly, a daughter requests a unique favor for her mother's repatriation, showing a deep belief in the afterlife and fear of her mother becoming a ghost.
Ghostly Encounters in Unexpected Places
After the protagonist's mother's death, he reflects on his fear of ghosts instilled by childhood experiences. Tasked with watching over a deceased woman's body, he contemplates the existence of spirits and the impact of death on the living. A peculiar interaction with a mortician leads to introspective thoughts on life, death, and the mysteries surrounding the deceased.
Navigating Cultural Differences in France
Observing American tourists in Paris, the protagonist reflects on the social differences between Europeans and Americans. He follows a family through a department store, engaging in an intricate fiction about his own family. Despite cultural disparities, humanizing moments bridge the gap, emphasizing universal concerns and the complexities of personal connections.
Reflections on Time, Loss, and Departure
As the protagonist prepares to leave Paris, he muses on the passage of time, loss, and human connection. Encountering unexpected emotions in mundane encounters, he grapples with the transient nature of life and the accompanying uncertainties. Amidst departures and reflections, he navigates personal narratives and the intricate web of human interactions.
Camille Bordas reads her story “Chicago on the Seine,” from the June 17, 2024, issue of the magazine. Bordas published two novels in France. Her first novel in English, “How to Behave in a Crowd,” came out in 2017, and a new novel, “The Material,” was published this month.