Pierre-Henry Gomont in Conversation: Soviet Land

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 From 6:00 PM To 7:30 PM Add to Calendar 2026-03-24 18:00:00 2026-03-24 19:30:00 Pierre-Henry Gomont in Conversation: Soviet Land Celebrate the release of the new English translation of Soviet Land with Pierre-Henry Gomont. Set in post-Soviet Russia, this tragicomic thriller follows two small-time swindlers navigating the ruins of a vanished utopia. French Library, 53 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA America/New_York

At French Library

Join award-winning French graphic novelist Pierre-Henry Gomont for a conversation celebrating the launch of the new English translation of his acclaimed graphic novel Soviet Land. In dialogue with Benoit Landon, librarian and literary host at the French Library, Gomont will discuss how this tragicomic thriller captures the human cost of political collapse and the moral chaos of the post-Soviet era.

Set in 1990s Russia, Soviet Land follows Slava, a former painter who has abandoned his ideals, and Lavrin, a gifted conman who believes that in the new world order, everything can be bought and sold. As they scavenge and scheme their way through the ruins of the USSR, Gomont paints a darkly funny and deeply moving portrait of ordinary people caught in the turbulence of history.

This presentation will be followed by a Q&A, a book signing, and a glass of wine.

In person event in English.

Member

Free

Non-member

$10

About Soviet Land

A must-read tragicomic thriller about a down-on-their-luck duo of swindlers looting their way through the decaying remains of the USSR. 1990s. Russia. The Soviet Union has collapsed. Its promises of utopia have faded, and among the ruins, scavengers and looters thrive. Slava, once a promising young painter, has abandoned both his career and ideals to scrape by with his childhood friend Lavrin, a gifted conman. In this anything-goes new world order, Lavrin insists that everything—and everyone—can be bought and sold. In this darkly funny and deeply moving graphic novel, author Pierre-Henry Gomont tells a gripping story of ordinary people caught in the turmoil of history in the making.

About the Author

Pierre-Henry Gomont pursued various professions, including several years as a sociologist, before becoming a graphic novelist. He made his debut with Kirkenes (2011, with Jonathan Châtel) and Catalyse, followed by acclaimed titles such as Rouge Karma, Les Nuits de Saturne (adapted from the novel by Marcus Malte), and the award-winning Pereira prétend with publisher Sarbacane. In 2018, Gomont completed Malaterre, a richly immersive graphic novel published by Dargaud (English edition: Europe Comics, 2019).

About the Moderator

Benoit Landon is a journalist and librarian at the French Library, where he hosts book clubs and literary talks. He has interviewed authors such as Éric Chacour, Sophie Divry, Étienne Kern, and Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers.

This event is co-presented with Villa Albertine Boston

Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Events

Social & Community

Le club des lecteurs : Jean Rouaud

In-person, Indoor Event in French

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Join us at the French Library for a conversation about Les champs d'honneur by Jean Rouaud. We invite you to read the book in its entirety and meet us on April 29th, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Talks & Discussions

The Monuments of Paris: Rewriting Family History

An Author Talk with Violaine Huisman

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Join us for an evening with acclaimed author Violaine Huisman as she presents her new novel, The Monuments of Paris, a sweeping exploration of family, memory, and a little-known chapter of French history during the Second World War.

Talks & Discussions

Virtual Event: Ann Scott in Conversation

Presented in partnership with Harvard Bookstore

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Join us off-site at Harvard Book Store for a conversation with French author Ann Scott, winner of the 2023 Prix Renaudot, for the release of her cult novel Superstars.

See All