Reading nights for french literature lovers kick off in Kazakhstan

The Reading Nights kicked off in Kazakhstan. This is a large-scale project of the French Embassy. Meetings in the last days of January are held simultaneously in seven cities. Thus, literature amateurs in Nur-Sultan discussed the novel Madame Bovary. The book was chosen for a good reason. This year marks the 200th birth anniversary of its author Gustave Flaubert. The creative meeting was attended not only by representatives of the French community in the country, but also students, as well as readers who love the works of the famous writer. The event was held in the format of mutual exchange of views. Participants also received souvenirs by participating in an intellectual quiz prepared by the organizers.

“French cultural institutions, such as French Alliances, libraries, clubs and various cultural associations participate in the organization. Each partner has chosen its own theme, so different events are held in different cities,” said Didier Canesse, French Ambassador to Kazakhstan.

The Reading Nights brought together the French literature amateurs from Almaty, Shymkent, Karagandy, Kostanai, Oskemen and Atyrau. The genres included not only the prose works, but also poetry and fables. The first such events were held four years ago at the initiative of the French Ministry of Culture. 6,000 reading nights were held worldwide in 2017, which gathered on their discussion platforms a record number of participants of different ages, 650,000 people.