Jean Patrick Modiano Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

Jean Patrick Modiano was born in July 30, 1945. He is a French novelist. In 2012, he was the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. He has written many novels that have been read globally. He initially wrote in French but most of his works have been translated into thirty different languages.

Early Life

Jean Patrick Modiano was born on July 30, 1945, in Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris. He was born to Albert who was a businessman and Louisa who was an actress. His parents, however, broke up after his birth. He attended Ecole du Montcel primary school and Henri IV high school. In school, he met Raymond Queneau who influenced him as a writer. In 1965, he joined University of Paris for a college degree, but he dropped out of the university before he could complete.

Career

In 1968, he published his first book titled ‘La Place de l’etiole.’ The novel received the Roger Nimier Prize and the Feneon Prize. The novel was later on translated into English with the title ‘The Occupation Trilogy.’ In 1973, Patrick wrote the screenplay of the drama film ‘Lacombe, Lucien.’ In 1978, his novel ‘Rue des Boutiques Obscures’ was published. In the novel, he portrays the never-ending search from the identity of oneself. In 2014, the book won the Nobel Prize when it was translated to English under the title ‘Missing Person.’ In 1995, he published the novel ‘Du Plus Loin de l’Oubil’ which became his masterpiece.

Two years later he published ‘Dora Bruder’ which was later translated to ‘The Search Warrant.’ In 2007, he published the novel ‘Dans le cafe’ de la jeunesse perdue.’ In 2011, he published his twenty sixth book titled ‘L’ Horizon.’ Some of his books that have been translated into English include ‘Voyage de noces’ which was translated to ‘Honeymoon’ and ‘Quartier perdu’ which was translated to ‘A Trace of Malice.’ In 2014, he published the novel ‘Pour Que tu ne te perdes pas dans le quartier.’

Awards And Achievements

In 1972, Patrick received the Grand Prix du Roman de l’Academie Francaise for his novel ‘Les Boulevards de ceinture.’ In 1978, he won the Prix Goncourt for his novel ‘Missing People.’ In 2010, he won the Prix Mondial Cino Del Duca which was awarded to him by the Institute de France. In 2012, he won the Austrian State Prize for European Literature. In 2014, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature for the novel ‘Missing Person.’

Personal Life

In 1970, Patrick married Dominique Zehrfuss with whom he has two daughters, Zina who was born in 1974 and Marie who was born in 1978. He and his wife live in an apartment in Paris. His wife is an artist as well as a jewelry designer. His daughter is a film writer and director while Marie is a singer and writer. Marie is the one who took after his father when it comes to writing. Patrick is now seventy-one years old. He continues writing to date.