Hermitix cover image

Hermitix

The Work of Louis-Ferdinand Céline with Damian Catani

Oct 11, 2023
Damian Catani, senior lecturer in French at Birkbeck, University of London, discusses his book on the controversial author Louis-Ferdinand Céline. They explore his contradictory persona, the impact of war on his writing, the challenge of untethering antisemitism from Nazism, and the discovery of his unpublished novels. Catani also shares his current projects and future plans.
01:10:22

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Celine's controversial work and personal life explored, including his writing style and fascination with literature.
  • Discovery of three unfinished novels shed light on Celine's writing process and significance in understanding his legacy.

Deep dives

The Life and Work of Louis Ferdinand Celine

Damian Katani joins the podcast to discuss his book on Celine and explores the controversial nature of his work and personal life. The discussion delves into Celine's writing style, his unflinching honesty, his fascination with the function of literature, and his complex personality. The biography sheds light on his experiences in World War I, his career as a doctor, and his later decline in health. The episode also touches on Celine's anti-Semitic pamphlets and the ethical debates surrounding their publication.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner