The author’s childhood is marked from the beginning by tragedy: he is an infant when his father Rolland Malraux is killed. His mother’s remarriage to Rolland’s older brother, the illustrious André Malraux, and the early death of his cousins would make him the only child growing up under André Malraux’s roof, at once step-son and nephew.

This unique viewpoint informs an unforgettable father-son memoir. The narrative is rich with anecdotes of encounters with some of the most eminent artists, writers and celebrities of our century, such as De Gaulle, Colette, Picasso, Coco Chanel, JFK and many more, spanning the war years, the French Resistance, France’s withdrawal from Algeria, and the political unrest of May 1968.

An exceptionally witty and moving read, Les Marronniers de Boulogne generously imparts a personal vision of one of the most memorable public figures of the 20th century.