The History of Literature Podcast: Episode 688 – Georges Simenon
Host: Jacke Wilson
Network: The Podglomerate
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Georges Simenon, a prolific Belgian-French writer, is the focus of Episode 688 of The History of Literature. Hosted by amateur enthusiast Jacke Wilson, this episode delves deep into Simenon's life, his incomparable literary output, and his enduring legacy through his most famous creation—Inspector Jules Maigret. The episode is thoughtfully divided into three primary sections: Simenon's Biography, Inspector Maigret, and Simenon's Writing Philosophy.
1. Biography of Georges Simenon
Georges Simenon was born in 1903 in Belgium and spent the majority of his adult life in France, with stints in the United States and Switzerland. His father, an accountant, was a significant influence on Simenon, inspiring the character of Inspector Maigret. Simenon's early life was marked by literary interests; he adored authors like Balzac, Dumas, and Dickens, which foreshadowed his own immense literary production.
Early Life and Education
Simenon exhibited academic prowess, particularly in French and literature. However, the tumultuous environment at home, where his father was sometimes strict and distant, and his mother favored his younger brother, led Simenon to rebel. By age 15, he dropped out of school and began working for a newspaper, swiftly moving to the crime beat. This early engagement with journalism honed his observational skills and laid the groundwork for his later literary endeavors.
Notable Quote:
Georgia Simenon reflects on his vocation, stating, “Writing is not a profession but a vocation of unhappiness. I don't think an artist can ever be happy.” (12:45) This sentiment encapsulates the complex relationship Simenon had with his prolific output.
Bohemian Years and Personal Struggles
At 18, Simenon joined a bohemian group known as the Herring Barrel, engaging in intense discussions on art and philosophy, often fueled by substances like morphine and cocaine. The suicide of a close friend during this period profoundly affected him, embedding themes of crime and human motivation in his works.
Marriage and Infidelity
Simenon's personal life was as tumultuous as his professional one. Married at a young age, he maintained long-term affairs, including a notable relationship with a household maid that lasted 39 years. His infidelities extended to numerous women, a lifestyle vividly reflected in his memoirs and the lives of his characters.
Notable Quote:
Simenon candidly admits, “I have nothing to say,” in reference to his 21 volumes of memoirs, highlighting his complex relationship with his own life and legacy. (47:20)
2. Inspector Jules Maigret: Simenon's Legacy
Inspector Jules Maigret stands as Simenon's most enduring creation. Unlike traditional detectives in the mystery genre, Maigret embodies a more introspective and psychologically nuanced approach to solving crimes.
Character Profile
Maigret is depicted as a compassionate and methodical detective who values understanding the human condition over merely finding the culprit. His domestic life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Madame Maigret, provides a stabilizing contrast to his investigative pursuits.
Notable Quote:
Julian Simons, a Maigret expert, notes, “Maghre doesn’t fit neatly into the detective genre. It’s more about the what and why rather than the whodunit.” (33:10)
Narrative Style
Simenon's writing in the Maigret series is characterized by its simplicity and depth. The novels often explore the psychology of ordinary people, delving into their motivations and societal influences. This approach makes the mysteries more relatable and grounded in real human experiences.
Excerpt from "The Sellers of the Majestic":
“Maghre walked into the manager's office. The manager shook his hand without a word and indicated an armchair... He folded the form in four and slipped it into his wallet.” (1:15:30)
This passage exemplifies Simenon's economical writing style, focusing on actions and subtle character interactions without excessive descriptive language.
3. Simenon's Writing Philosophy and Process
Simenon was notorious for his relentless writing pace and unorthodox methods. His approach prioritized quantity, often producing novels at an astonishing rate, sometimes completing a book in mere days.
Writing Routine
Simenon maintained a rigorous daily schedule: waking at dawn, writing 60 to 80 pages before mid-morning, followed by intense periods of smoking and sexual activity. This frenetic lifestyle underscored his belief in productivity and the necessity of constant output.
Notable Quote:
Simenon explains his revision process, “I cut out adjectives and adverbs, every word just to make an effect... every sentence just for the sentence.” (1:35:50) This reveals his dedication to a concise and impactful writing style.
Unconscious Creativity
Rather than plotting his novels meticulously, Simenon allowed his stories to develop organically. He would begin with characters and settings, letting the narrative unfold naturally, a method he described as entering a trance during the creative process.
Interviewer Insight:
Simenon states, “I never even am thinking that they will serve for a novel. More exactly, they are the things about which I worry for myself.” (1:40:15) This approach contributed to the authentic and spontaneous feel of his narratives.
4. Personal Life and Its Impact on His Work
Simenon's personal struggles, including his tumultuous relationships and relentless work ethic, deeply influenced his writing. His fear of loneliness and communication barriers are recurring themes in his novels, mirrored by his own life of superficial connections and intense solitude.
Infamy and Legacy
Despite his commercial success, Simenon harbored feelings of unease. He aspired for literary acclaim, even contemplating the Nobel Prize, yet often dismissed his Maigret novels as mere commercial ventures. This duality highlights the complex nature of his relationship with his work.
Notable Quote:
Peter Ackroyd remarks, “Simenon entered his fictional world as if he were part of it,” emphasizing his immersive and personal connection to his stories. (2:10:40)
5. Insights and Conclusions
Georges Simenon's life was a blend of prolific creativity and personal turmoil. His ability to produce over 400 books, including the beloved Maigret series, is a testament to his extraordinary dedication and unique approach to storytelling. Simenon's exploration of ordinary human experiences through the lens of crime and mystery offers readers a profound understanding of the human psyche.
Final Reflection:
Simenon concludes, “The problem of communication between two people... is one of the biggest tragic themes in the world.” (1:55:25) This introspection not only defines his literary work but also offers a window into his own struggles with isolation and connection.
Conclusion
Episode 688 of The History of Literature provides a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Georges Simenon, highlighting his literary genius and the intricate interplay between his life and his work. Through insightful discussions, notable quotes, and detailed analysis, Jacke Wilson paints a vivid picture of a writer whose legacy continues to influence the literary world.