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Both belong to the fire element, governed by the sun: Paul represents the midday summer sun, Camille the late winter sun. Their artistic talents manifested early and simultaneously: Paul loved words, Camille loved clay. Talent, enthusiasm, passion. Fiery temperament but extremely sensitive. Loyal to their roots and their own ideas... These are the defining characteristics of both the older sister and the younger brother.
Both experienced heartbreak in their love lives: Paul fell for a married woman and was abandoned, while Camille was captivated and tormented by her philandering sculpture teacher. While Paul overcame his struggles by setting boundaries for himself (a career as a high-ranking official, discipline, a rational marriage), Camille remained stubborn, consumed by resentment and unhappiness.
More than just a biography sketching the turbulent lives of the two Claudel siblings, Camille and Paul is a historical work: it brings to life the social and artistic life of France in the early 20th century, with its contemporary intellectual trends, conventions, and social rules.
To celebrate the launch of "Camille and Paul," Tri Thuc Publishing House and the French Cultural Center are organizing a book launch seminar from 2 PM to 4 PM on Thursday, September 18, 2014, at L'espace Hall, 24 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi.
