French · 1926–2016
French novelist and essayist associated with the nouveau roman. Born in Mons-en-Barœul, he taught literature across the world while writing. A Change (La Modification) won the Prix Renaudot; Second Thoughts (L'Emploi du temps) preceded it. Both novels experiment with narrative—the first in second person, the second as obsessive diary. Later work moved toward essay and mixed forms. He published constantly, accumulating over a thousand titles including poetry, criticism, and artist collaborations. The experimental phase remains most celebrated.