Background
Was born at Manosque, in Provence on Mar. 30, 1895, and that region, where he spent his life, provides the setting for his novels.
Was born at Manosque, in Provence on Mar. 30, 1895, and that region, where he spent his life, provides the setting for his novels.
In a style sometimes naturalistic like Zola's, sometimes lyrical, Giono described the trials, the simple joys, and the loves of the peasants in such books as Colline (1928; Hill of Destiny, 1929,), Un de Baumugnes (1929), Regain (1930; Harvest, 1939), and La Femme du boulanger (1935; "The Baker's Wife," which was later filmed). Le Chant du monde (1934; The Song of the World, 1937) was followed by Que ma joie demeure (1935; Joy of Man's Desiring, 1940). After World War II, Giono reverted to a more traditional form of the novel with Le Hussard sur le toit (1951; Horseman on the Roof, 1954) and Le Moulin de Pologne (1952; "The Windmill of Poland"). Two adventures set in 19th-century Italy were Le Bonheur Fou (1957; The Straw Man, 1959) and Angelo (1958). Later novels include Deux cavaliers de l'orage (1965) and Ennemonde et autres caractèrescaracteres (1968).