Playing my Duras.

If I could say “Read Duras the way I have,” there would be far less reason for me to make this videogame. But I can’t say that and believe that you will. Some people, sure. But from what I read about her here and there, many not.

Bientôt l’été is not about Marguerite Duras, it’s not a videogame version of one of her novels, nor is it an attempt at a faithful presentation of her style. Bientôt l’été is driven by my experience with reading Duras. The things I have learned while reading her work. The beauty I have felt. Not only the literary beauty of the text, but also the beauty of the real world that her work points out.

Bientôt l’été is also an expression of admiration for the artist, and a posthumous nod of sympathy for a woman whose flamboyance served as both the flame under her extraordinary gift as the target for mockery and derision by the less talented, the less interesting.

I would like to say what it is that I enjoy so much in her work. But I can’t. So I’m making this videogame to try and capture and express the feeling.

Not just that. I also want to share these feelings. To inhabit this world with you. With words, one can never be sure. But in a videogame, I feel we can get closer. It’s about experience, about shared experience. And videogames can be poetic on a sub-rational level that is far easier to share than the joys of French literature.

At least that’s what I hope to achieve, what I aim for. It’s probably far too ambitious or hopeful to be realistic, let alone find a significant audience, but if even a fraction of this comes across, it’ll be worthwhile. If only because knowing that there’s people out there that can share this emotion, will make me a happier person.

In a way, Bientôt l’été is fan art.