Benjamin Hoffmann is a College of Arts & Sciences Designated Professor of French & Francophone Literature at Ohio State University and a creative writer. In 2024, he wrote a short story for the literary magazine Ploughshares (“Murakame”), published in France, under the title “Je suis Murakami”, by Zone Critique. It came out after the release of Murakami's latest novel (The City and its Uncertain Walls), an immediate success seven years after his last book.
In this short story, Haruki Murakami wakes up one day in a world where all his books are gone. The plot starts just like the movie Yesterday, by Danny Boyle, before taking a different turn. Benjamin Hoffmann spent a year and a half reading Murakami's work and researching his life as a writer, husband, former bar owner, jazz and baseball enthusiast, and much more. With “Je suis Murakami”, he creates a fiction with the same magical realism used by the Japanese writer in works such as “1Q84” with alternative realities and enigmatic characters. Beyond the desire to explore Murakami’s style, life and work, Benjamin Hoffmann questions the status of a successful writer by making him a random guy owning a bar (like he used to be before becoming famous).
A specialist in 18th-century French literature, Benjamin Hoffmann considers Murakami to be the greatest writer of our time. His short story is a tribute to his work and dedication to writing (Murakami spends 8-10 hours a day writing). Reading “Je suis Murakami” can be an entry point to discover this writer (often seen as a potential Nobel prize winner), or a way to remember his greatness and his talent to bring magic to our world.
On March 12, we're delighted to welcome Benjamin Hoffmann at the French Library. We will be able to talk about this short story, his love for Murakami, but also his latest books: “Sentinel Island” (“L’île de la Sentinelle”). The book delves into the reality of the Sentinelese people, who are known for their resistance to outside contact. It explores the historical context of their isolation and the various attempts, throughout history, by outsiders to interact with them. The book tackles themes related to globalization, cultural contact, and the clash between modern society and isolated communities.
This conversation will shed light on Benjamin Hoffmann's creative process, literary influences, and his journey as a writer. Our author talk will be followed by a Q&A session, with a book signing and a glass of wine!
In this short story, Haruki Murakami wakes up one day in a world where all his books are gone. The plot starts just like the movie Yesterday, by Danny Boyle, before taking a different turn. Benjamin Hoffmann spent a year and a half reading Murakami's work and researching his life as a writer, husband, former bar owner, jazz and baseball enthusiast, and much more. With “Je suis Murakami”, he creates a fiction with the same magical realism used by the Japanese writer in works such as “1Q84” with alternative realities and enigmatic characters. Beyond the desire to explore Murakami’s style, life and work, Benjamin Hoffmann questions the status of a successful writer by making him a random guy owning a bar (like he used to be before becoming famous).
A specialist in 18th-century French literature, Benjamin Hoffmann considers Murakami to be the greatest writer of our time. His short story is a tribute to his work and dedication to writing (Murakami spends 8-10 hours a day writing). Reading “Je suis Murakami” can be an entry point to discover this writer (often seen as a potential Nobel prize winner), or a way to remember his greatness and his talent to bring magic to our world.
On March 12, we're delighted to welcome Benjamin Hoffmann at the French Library. We will be able to talk about this short story, his love for Murakami, but also his latest books: “Sentinel Island” (“L’île de la Sentinelle”). The book delves into the reality of the Sentinelese people, who are known for their resistance to outside contact. It explores the historical context of their isolation and the various attempts, throughout history, by outsiders to interact with them. The book tackles themes related to globalization, cultural contact, and the clash between modern society and isolated communities.
This conversation will shed light on Benjamin Hoffmann's creative process, literary influences, and his journey as a writer. Our author talk will be followed by a Q&A session, with a book signing and a glass of wine!
Benoit Landon
Librarian
After studying journalism in France, Benoit began his career in Paris where he lived and worked for over a decade. In 2018, he crossed the Atlantic for a research project on a typewriter he bought at a flea market. He ended up in Hartford, Connecticut, where he met his wife by accident. Many administrative forms later, he settled in Greater Boston. As an avid reader, Benoit is delighted to be surrounded by books and to stay in touch with the French culture he loves. Come say hello at the circulation desk!
