Mausoleum of Lovers

Hervé Guibert's Mausoleum of Lovers captures his intimate journals from 1976 to 1991, blending love, longing, and artistic exploration.

The Mausoleum of Lovers presents the compelling journals of Hervé Guibert, spanning the years from 1976 to 1991. These writings serve as a unique atelier for Guibert, who explores the intricacies of love, longing, and artistic creation. The journals reflect his personal experiences and relationships, weaving a narrative that is both intimate and universal. Rather than culminating in a traditional novel, the work itself becomes a mausoleum, a testament to the lovers who have shaped his life.

In this epistolary collection, Guibert's sensual language and candid reflections draw comparisons to Roland Barthes' A Lover's Discourse. The letters and photographs included within the pages create a rich tapestry of emotions, capturing the essence of desire and the complexities of human connection. The Mausoleum of Lovers hovers between various literary forms, illustrating the author's struggle with the boundaries of genre and the inevitability of disintegration.

As readers delve into Guibert's world, they are invited to contemplate the nature of love and the ephemeral quality of relationships. The journals provide insight into the author's psyche, revealing his vulnerabilities and aspirations. Ultimately, Mausoleum of Lovers stands as a poignant exploration of what it means to love and to be loved, making it a significant addition to contemporary literature.