Mad Lit: Julie Doucet
Issue #34
The comic book artist gets graphic about a French novel that helped her find her way
By Adam Schragin
Published: December 1st, 2007 | 4:05pm
A couple of years back, French-Canadian graphic novelist Julie Doucet threw us all for a loop when she announced that she was tired of the comics game and was discontent with the degree of sameness within the world of graphic novels.
A comics creator whose primary subject is herself, Doucet has given us a voyeuristic view into her life through her art. After starting her career in the late '80s, she reached critical notice with her Dirty Plotte series and My New York Diary.
These days, Doucet seems reluctant to abandon the genre completely, and her latest work, 365 Days: A Diary by Julie Doucet, exemplifies
the hallmarks of her style: an emphasis on autobiography and the diary
form, and experimentation with other mediums.
Doucet’s pick for our Mad Lit questionnaire is a book by another author known for her confessional style. Christiane Rochefort’s Sophie’s Way follows Céline as she leaves a bourgeois marriage and enters into a lesbian relationship. Like someone else we know, it’s both pissed off and hilarious.
Why I love Sophie’s Way: I love pretty much any books by Christiane Rochefort. I picked this title because it’s been translated into English. Her writing is angry and funny. I think that as an artist and writer, that’s where I’m coming from.
This book is about: a young woman who refuses to be what the people and the world around her want her to be.
I chose this title because: it was the first time ever I could relate to a female character in literature.
The first time I read it, I was: around 13 or even a little younger. I remember reading Christiane Rochefort’s books in summertime at a cottage by the sea. A friend of mine — she was a bit older than me — had this book. I remember not being able to put the book down. I must have been 12, because I felt relaxed and happy. My parents got divorced when I was 13.
My favorite part is: when the main character Céline gets married (at the beginning of the book, not at the end!).
My favorite character is: Céline because she has the guts to be herself. I know it sounds corny, but at 12 ...
If I ever met the author, I would: tell her she is my biggest influence. I’d give her a big kiss on the cheek. But she’s dead.
You should read it while listening to: the Art Ensemble Of Chicago. I picked this band because, well, I love it, but also they did the soundtrack of a film based on this book, and it fits.
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