A groundbreaking look at a forgotten chapter in Jean-Paul Sartre’s life.

This book is an exceptional firsthand testimony for those seeking to better understand the link between "Comrade Sartre” and the Maoists of the Radical proletariat movement. Offering a glimpse into Sartre’s daily life and preoccupations during his latter years, we learn the story of Sartre’s induction into questions of faith and religion through his personal secretary Benny Lévy. It was through the latter that the renowned philosopher of existentialism deepened his reflection on the ethical and metaphysical character of the Jewish religion. This new work exposes Sartre’s inner conflict between political “engagement” and intellectualism, underlining the paradox between his Maoist ties and activities and his personal disillusionment with Mao’s crimes against humanity.