François Nourissier and Christine de Rivoyre: A Literary Friendship
In 1967, François Nourissier penned a letter to his close confidante, Christine de Rivoyre, expressing his concerns about the waning frequency of their encounters:
"As for our friendship, well, yes, we are fools, lazy, slow, and inadequate. We go weeks without seeing each other, which is ridiculous. Let’s at least vow to remedy this in the coming months."
Nourissier, a Parisian literary mandarin, held sway over literary criticism and the reading committee of Grasset publishing house, eventually ascending to the prestigious Académie Goncourt. Rivoyre, on the other hand, was a journalist for Marie-Claire and the author of the novel "La Mandarine," whose opening line, "Love makes me hungry," aptly reflects her vivacious spirit. Alongside Françoise Sagan and Geneviève Dormann, Rivoyre was one of the women who infused a fresh breeze into French literature.
Nourissier and Rivoyre’s friendship was forged in the vibrant literary circles of post-war Paris. They shared a love of language and a sharp wit, which they frequently exercised in their playful correspondence. Nourissier, with his keen eye for literary talent, recognized Rivoyre’s writing as something truly exceptional. He became a staunch supporter of her work, advocating for her recognition and encouraging her to continue writing.
However, as the years went by, the pressures of their respective careers and personal lives began to take their toll on their friendship. Nourissier remained deeply entrenched in the Parisian literary establishment, while Rivoyre, yearning for a life closer to nature, relocated to the countryside of Les Landes, where she found solace in the company of horses.
Despite the physical distance, Nourissier and Rivoyre’s bond remained strong. Their letters served as a lifeline, bridging the gap between their separate worlds. They shared their literary insights, commiserated over the challenges of their profession, and provided each other with unwavering support and encouragement.
Nourissier’s letters to Rivoyre reveal a man torn between his loyalty to their friendship and his frustration at their inability to spend more time together. He expressed his admiration for Rivoyre’s writing, praised her strength and independence, and gently chided her for her tendency to withdraw from the world.
Rivoyre responded in kind, offering Nourissier a glimpse into her rural life and sharing her observations on the human condition. Her letters reveal a woman who is both deeply introspective and keenly attuned to the beauty of her surroundings. She acknowledged Nourissier’s concerns about their friendship but reassured him that the bond between them would endure the test of time.
Their correspondence also provides a fascinating glimpse into the literary landscape of the time. Nourissier and Rivoyre shared their thoughts on the latest books, debated the merits of contemporary writers, and offered each other valuable insights into the art of storytelling.
In the tapestry of their friendship, Nourissier and Rivoyre represented two sides of the same literary coin. Nourissier was the worldly critic and literary gatekeeper, while Rivoyre was the independent and iconoclastic writer. Together, they formed a formidable force, supporting and inspiring each other throughout their lives.
Despite their physical separation, Nourissier and Rivoyre’s friendship remained a source of great comfort and inspiration until Nourissier’s untimely death in 2011. Their letters serve as a poignant testament to the enduring power of friendship and the transformative nature of literature.
