Louis de Bernières
Louis de Bernières: A Masterful Storyteller of Our Time
Full Name and Common Aliases
Louis de Bernières was born on December 8, 1954, in London, England. He is commonly known as Louis de Bernières and has also written under the pseudonym L.D.B.
Birth and Death Dates
December 8, 1954 (birth) - currently active
Nationality and Profession(s)
British novelist, poet, and playwright
Early Life and Background
Born into a family of literary tradition, Louis de Bernières was raised in a small village near Faversham, Kent. His father, John de Bernières, was a writer and translator, while his mother, Ruth Margaret (née O'Sullivan), came from an artistic family. This rich cultural heritage instilled in him a love for literature, music, and the arts from an early age.
De Bernières's childhood was marked by frequent moves between England and Ireland, where his father would often take him on long walks through the countryside to discuss literature and philosophy. These formative experiences would later influence his writing style, which often explores themes of family, identity, and the human condition.
Major Accomplishments
Louis de Bernières has written numerous award-winning novels that have captivated readers worldwide. His most notable works include:
_The Troubles_ (1988), a novel about the Irish conflict and its impact on a young couple's relationship.
_Captain Corelli's Mandolin_ (1991), which tells the story of an Italian officer stationed on a Greek island during World War II. This book won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in 1992.
* _The South_ (1995), a novel set on a small island off the coast of England, exploring themes of identity, community, and the human condition.
De Bernières has also written several collections of poetry and plays, showcasing his versatility as a writer. His work often blurs the lines between fiction and non-fiction, creating a sense of realism that immerses readers in the world he creates.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his novels, de Bernières has been involved in various literary projects throughout his career. He was a founding member of the Poetry Society's 1990s poetry anthology series, _The Oxford Book of Poetry_. His own poetry collections, such as _The Colony_ (1991), have received critical acclaim for their innovative style and exploration of themes relevant to contemporary society.
Impact and Legacy
Louis de Bernières has left an indelible mark on the literary world. His unique writing style, which blends elements of history, culture, and personal experience, has inspired a new generation of writers. His works have been translated into numerous languages, introducing his ideas and perspectives to readers worldwide.
His commitment to exploring complex themes in a clear, accessible manner has made him a beloved figure among readers. De Bernières's writing often challenges social norms and conventions, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding among those who engage with his work.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Louis de Bernières is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking works that have captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. His ability to weave together historical events, cultural context, and personal narrative has created a distinctive writing style that continues to resonate with audiences today.
As a masterful storyteller, de Bernières has shown us that literature can be both entertaining and enlightening. His legacy as a writer will endure for generations to come, inspiring future writers and readers alike to explore the complexities of human experience through his timeless stories.
Quotes by Louis de Bernières
Louis de Bernières's insights on:

We had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.” Louis de Bernieres as quoted in Underland by Robert Macfarlane.

I used to have nightmare about having petrol poured over me, and being set on fire, and nowadays I have nightmares that I have wooden teeth and that they are continually falling out, as if I had an infinite number of them. It seems that everyone has their own inexplicable fear to have nightmares about. We need nightmares to keep ourselves entertained, and fend off the contentment that we all fear and abhor so much.

Remember that fear causes to happen the very things it fears. That’s why fear should be unknown to us.

Family law is institutionally anti-male. I’ve been lobbying MPs, and I’m not going to give up campaigning for equality until I get equality.

Love is a kind of dementia with very precise and oft-repeated clinical symptoms.

It’s stupid to claim that one human being is special, or picked out by God, when in fact there are hundreds of millions of human beings in the world, and God knows how many millions of people long dead who have been lost to history, all of whom were probably special to someone.

How strange that the world should change because of words, and words change because of the world.

The garden where you sit Has never a need of flowers, For you are the blossoms And only a fool or the blind Would fail to know it.

The trouble with fulfilling your ambitions is you think you will be transformed into some sort of archangel and you’re not. You still have to wash your socks.

Love itself is what is left over when being “in love” has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.