European Voices: A Reading & Conversation with French Author Lola Lafon

Lola Lafon, with a French, Russian and Polish background, was raised in the equally diverse cities of Bucharest, Sofia and Paris. Her first love was dance, but then she turned to writing. Her novels tackle several ideological themes such as capitalism, antifascism, utopia or feminism. Lafon is politically engaged in several collectives, addressing feminist questions and concerns; while she runs writing workshops aimed towards underserved or disadvantaged youth populations. Lola will be discussing her latest novel in English translation, The Little Communist Who Never Smiled (Seven Stories Press, 2016, translated by Nick Caistor). This fictionalized account of the life of Nadia Comaneci, a child of communist Romania and an Olympic gymnast who inspired young girls around the globe, shows how a single athletic event mesmerizes the world and reverberates across nations. Refreshments will be available, and a book-signing will follow the talk. Co-sponsored by the Association Francophone de Boston University - AFBU