Book Discussion: We’ll Always Have Paris, Literature in the City of Light–Tropic of Cancer with Samuél Lopez-Barrantes

What is it about Paris that has kept Americans dreaming for over a century? Is it the majestic tree-lined Boulevard Saint Germain or the seedy cafes in Pigalle, the long walks along the Seine, or the illicit parties in the city’s underbelly? In this three-part series that spans history, literature, and philosophy, author, musician, and Sorbonne professor Samuél Lopez-Barrantes will guide you through the lives and imaginations of three of the most important artists to live and write in the City of Lights. Each session will be devoted to one book and one author, starting with Ernest Hemingway, Henry Miller and concluding with James Baldwin. Participants are invited to read the works before attending the seminar or are welcome to use the session as a precursor to later reading.

In this session, we will read and discuss Henry Miller’s Tropic of Cancer, an uproarious novel that was banned in the United States for obscenity, focusing on cultural differences between French philosophy about pleasure and American puritanism.

Led by an expert on history and literature, Professor Samuél Lopez-Barrantes, this interactive seminar will discuss three 20th century American masterpieces that were written in and about the City of Lights. Designed to inform curiosity as well as educate, participants will come away with a deeper appreciation for the selected works as well as for a better understanding as to why Paris has continually attracted American artists well into the 21st century.

This conversation is part of a three-part series on literature connected to Paris with Samuél Lopez-Barrantes. Each session is designed as a stand-alone seminar as well as part of a three-week series.

• Book Discussion: We’ll Always Have Paris, Literature in the City of Light–A Moveable Feast with Samuél Lopez-Barrantes
• Book Discussion: We’ll Always Have Paris, Literature in the City of Light–Tropic of Cancer, with Samuél Lopez-Barrantes
• Book Discussion: We’ll Always Have Paris, Literature in the City of Light–Giovanni’s Room, with Samuél Lopez-Barrantes

Samuél is a novelist and musician who has lived in Paris since 2010. He holds an M.A. in European Society from University College London and an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Samuél teaches literature and creative writing at Paris’ Sorbonne. He is also in an American folk-rock trio, Slim & The Beast, whose self-titled EP has already caught the attention of Rolling Stone France.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.