Understanding Genet

Jean Genet (1910-1986) is one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His work, consisting of poems, autobiographical novels, plays and short essays, was the subject of violent attacks, which are still going strong after his death. Some see it as indecent, provocative or an exposé of homosexuality. His defense of revolutionary movements made him a “declared enemy”. 

This Comprendre Genet (Understanding Genet) sets out to break with these stereotypes: Genet is at war, first and foremost with himself. What is he seeking? For Evil to explode, leaving readers and spectators lost, haggard, with no one to turn to but themselves!

 

Hervé Castanet, a university professor and member of the École de la Cause freudienne, is a psychoanalyst based in Marseille. He has published over twenty books, including Tricheur de sexe (2010), Understanding Freud (2024) and Understanding Lacan (2025) with Max Milo.

Yves Rouvière is an illustrator. He has contributed to numerous titles in the “Comprendre—Essai graphique” collection.