Les Liseuses: Fresh Takes On Literary Classics

NEWS | July 24, 2020

With literary podcasts flourishing on the web, the Volume Sonore label is offering "literary remixes" that bring listeners fresh ways to discover the classics.

The adventure began in 2019: Audrey Siourd and Ali Mesbahi, from the worlds of publishing and music respectively, launched "Les Liseuses". An audacious pod that invites authors, readers, and musicians to collaborate in reading the texts aloud and setting them to music. The result is a "medium through which we can rediscover language, texts, words, and stories," and a delightful introduction to some of the world's best-loved masterpieces.

This alternative reading of hits new and old inserts them into a more contemporary framework. "Les Liseuses" is reviving great works by creating original audio environments for each of them, in tones of electro, jazz, and even country. From Balzac's Père Goriot to Voltaire's Zadig: or The Book of Fate, Moliere's The Misanthrope and Homer's Odyssey — between these narratives of yesteryear and their new musical accompaniment, what's current about the texts becomes crystal clear.

Since their first season, featuring personalities like Augustin Trapenard, Olivia de Lamberterie, and musician Molécule, "Les Liseuses" has charmed new followers with every passing day. The episodes, around 20 minutes each, are freely available on streaming platforms. The brevity lets listeners get their feet wet with fun, educational content — before diving into the denser works they reference.

If the success of pods like Louie Media's "Book Club," "La Page Blanche," "3 Petits Points," or "People who read are the happiest" are any indication, literary podcasts are booming. They're further testament to our love of literature, with books remaining a consistent source of contentment for people in France and around the world.