The second "New Insights" China-France Literature Forum opened Friday at the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature (NMMCL), attracting readers and writers from both China and France.
Six French writers (most of whom have had their works published in Chinese), experts and over 10 Chinese writers shared their insights on topics ranging from literature and society, family, translations, Internet literature and feminist literature during the two-day session.
Tie Ning, president of the Chinese Writers Association (CWA), said China and France are not only mutually complementary economically, but also influence each other in culture and literature.
"Lots of Chinese writers were influenced by various French writers in different periods," she said.
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One of the writers at the forum. [Global Times] |
Chinese readers favor literary classics such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, and The Red and the Black by Stendhal, while French writers and readers are also familiar with Confucius, Lao Tzu and The Dream of Red Mansions, she noted.
Meanwhile she gave more comments on the worrying belief that certain literature today resembles "fake and glossy flowers" - rash, indifferent and dishonest.
"Writers should have literary ambitions, (while) at the same time, be cautious of themselves," she said.
She paid tribute to Jean-Pierre Angremy, late president of the French National Library, who made a success of the first China-France Literature Forum, held in Paris in November 2009, and had great hopes for this year's event.
"Jean-Pierre stressed the importance of continuing the conversation between China and France with passion and wisdom," recalled Paul de Sinety, from the French Institute, who believes that books won't vanish and French literature will continue to prosper in future.