Our Europe

This "urgent, epic" poem exploring the history of Europe "encourages both lucidity and humility, to try and save what beauty is left in the world" ( Les Echos, FR). "For some time now, Europe seems to have forgotten it is the daughter of epics and utopia. It has been drained by its inability to remind its citizens of this. Too distant, disembodied, the concept often arouses nothing more than disillusioned boredom. And yet, the history of Europe is one of constant upheaval. So much fire and death; inventions and art, too. Literature, perhaps, can remind us of this: that the European history is one of muscle, vigour, passion, anger and joy."—Laurent Gaude, from the introduction In Our Europe, Prix Goncourt-winning author Laurent Gaude makes an impassioned plea for Europeans to remember their history and heritage. From the industrial revolution through two world wars and to the birth of the European Union, Our Europe sets in free verse the story of 150 years of growth, confrontation, hope, defeat and passion. It is both "an  Iliad for our times" and a heartfelt appeal for a Europe that celebrates difference, solidarity, and freedom ( L'Echo de Bruxelles, FR).