

Les Nouvelles brèves de comptoir by Jean-Marie Gourio, published by Robert Laffont, is a collection of delightful aphorisms. Inspired by bar counter conversations, this work captures the essence of popular speech. The comical, poetic, or trivial phrases echo iconic literary traditions. A must-read for literature enthusiasts and social observation aficionados.
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Jean-Marie Gourio, famous for his talent in capturing the essence of popular speech, offers us a unique literary journey with The New Counter Briefs. Published by Robert Laffont in 2008, this 432-page collection compiles aphorisms gathered in the cafés of France, offering a fascinating mirror of society.
Gourio is recognized as a true craftsman of language. Through these briefs, he immortalizes fragments of conversations overheard at random counters, whether in Paris, Rennes, or a small bistro in Burgundy. Each phrase, trivial or poetic, captures a moment of life, an emotion, a reflection. This collection is in the tradition of works by Raymond Queneau, Jacques Prévert, or Marcel Aymé, celebrating the richness of popular speech.
These briefs are not mere anecdotes; they reflect a literary tradition that values the everyday and the prosaic. As Daniel Rondeau points out, the Counter Briefs have managed to create a literary genre in their own right, now recognized by dictionaries. They are both funny, hilarious, and imbued with a poetry of the everyday that leaves no one indifferent.
The New Counter Briefs are a must-read for anyone interested in the French language and the richness of its oral expressions. They bear witness to an era, a culture, and an art of living. Whether to smile, reflect, or simply for the pleasure of words, this book is an ideal companion for all occasions.
Data sheet
Les Nouvelles brèves de comptoir by Jean-Marie Gourio, published by Robert Laffont, is a collection of delightful aphorisms. Inspired by bar counter conversations, this work captures the essence of popular speech. The comical, poetic, or trivial phrases echo iconic literary traditions. A must-read for literature enthusiasts and social observation aficionados.