Editions Boyaux has recently released
La densité de mensonges, a riveting though often exasperating memoir by my dear friend David Schoffman.
La densité de mensonges, a riveting though often exasperating memoir by my dear friend David Schoffman.
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| David Schoffman vacationing in Cyprus, 2013 |
Why he chose to write this loosely chronological picaresque autobiography in French is an interesting question. (He is currently laboring over its English translation).
A private, guarded and openly misanthropic individual, David probably found it easier to be frank in a foreign language. His French is of the plodding and academic variety, more suited for a Citroën owner's manual than for a work of literary non-fiction. Luckily the Belgian screenwriter Brigitte Chimay Straffe (The Fourth Policewoman, Tchaikovsky's Armoire, Devils) worked tirelessly as his editor and walking Larousse.
As the title suggests, much of the text should be taken with more than a grain of kosher salt.
The frequently cited anecdote concerning the menagerie of pets seems dubious at best. Likewise the story about David's awkward "romance" with Louise Bourgeois.
All in all the book is an entertaining read, especially for those unfamiliar with the foibles of artistic dissipation. Several European production companies are vying for the rights but David is wisely waiting for the English translation and the book's reception in Hollywood.
As the title suggests, much of the text should be taken with more than a grain of kosher salt.
The frequently cited anecdote concerning the menagerie of pets seems dubious at best. Likewise the story about David's awkward "romance" with Louise Bourgeois.
All in all the book is an entertaining read, especially for those unfamiliar with the foibles of artistic dissipation. Several European production companies are vying for the rights but David is wisely waiting for the English translation and the book's reception in Hollywood.
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