Emmanuel Carrère on Writing, Family, and the War in Ukraine
The acclaimed author discusses his latest work, Kolkhoz, blending personal grief with geopolitical turmoil.
1A Literary Life Intertwined
Emmanuel Carrère, a prominent figure in contemporary non-fiction, resides in a quiet Parisian apartment. Known for works like The Adversary, he balances his personal life with the intense demands of his craft. Currently, he is preparing for a trip to the West Bank while promoting his latest book, Kolkhoz, which explores his roots.
2The Dual Nature of Kolkhoz
Kolkhoz serves as both a family memoir and a reportage on the war in Ukraine. Carrère weaves his Georgian and Russian heritage into the narrative, examining the resurgence of Russian imperialism. He views Russia as a deeply personal family matter, making the book a raw, emotional portrait of his late mother, Hélène.
3A Mother's Majestic Exit
Hélène Carrère d’Encausse, a renowned historian and secretary of the French Academy, passed away at 93. She announced her death ten days prior, managing the process with calm authority. Carrère describes her final days as Roman and majestic, noting that she left no space for tears, even as her health failed.
4The Ethics of Intimacy
Carrère admits to crossing lines by exposing the private lives of his mother and a former girlfriend in his writing. He acknowledges that while he has reconciled with them, he regrets the lack of scruples shown in the past. He now emphasizes a moral rule: to avoid causing unnecessary suffering to subjects.
5The Burden of the Writer
Citing the poet Czesław Miłosz, Carrère reflects on how a writer’s presence can destabilize a family. He notes that writing about intimate relationships often leads to conflict, as seen in his previous work, My Life as a Russian Novel. He believes that stories are like shared custody, requiring careful, case-by-case moral judgment.
6Mother's Complex Russian Ties
Hélène was an informal ambassador between France and Russia, often indulgent toward power. The war in Ukraine caused her significant pain, as it contradicted her long-held beliefs about the Russian state. Carrère observes that the conflict forced her to confront the reality of a brutal, realist politician she had previously underestimated.
7The Father's Quiet Presence
While the book focuses on his mother, his father’s role grew unexpectedly during the writing process. Carrère portrays him as a man walking alone in a forest, searching for his past. He describes his father as a form of collateral damage to his mother’s emotional imperialism, yet one who gave his consent.
8Reality Beyond Fiction
Carrère observes that modern reality, characterized by Trumpism and alternative facts, has surpassed the capacity of traditional fiction. He compares the current political climate to the universe of Philip K. Dick, where parallel truths dominate. He finds the prospect of writing about figures like Trump difficult due to their inherent absurdity.
9The Shadow of Trumpism
The author views Donald Trump as an unprecedented force that resets alliances daily, leaving European leaders in a state of servility. He notes that Trump’s lack of resistance allows his power to grow unchecked. Carrère expresses deep concern about the future of Europe if Trump continues to dominate international relations without restraint.
10Geopolitical Power Imbalances
Reflecting on his reporting from Ukraine in late 2024, Carrère sees little path to victory for the nation. He notes the unequal power relationship and the exhaustion of soldiers and civilians. He believes that Ukraine faces a grim reality, as the geopolitical rules that once governed international order have effectively collapsed.
11The Threat to Europe
Carrère references theorists like Sergey Karaganov who view Europe as an enemy that must be eliminated. He highlights the rise of MAGA-aligned thinkers who openly defend dictatorship as a desirable political phase. These ideas, once considered unimaginable, now represent a significant shift in the global political landscape that Europe must confront.
12Reflecting on Historical Decline
France’s internal decline is a secondary concern compared to the international vassalage currently facing Europe. Carrère suggests that the continent’s future may depend on its ability to stand up to external pressures, even if it requires risky confrontation. He remains a keen observer of a world where traditional rules no longer apply.
Original article: El País English — Emmanuel Carrère on Writing, Family, and the War in Ukraine