Writer since the 1970's
Jeanne Cordelier became known as a writer in 1976 with the publication of La Dérobade by Hachette littérature. This book about a woman's struggle to get out of prostitution became a literary and commercial success. It was translated into English by Harry Matthews and published as "The Life". In France, La Dérobade was republished in 2007. Since her debut Jeanne Cordelier has published 15 novels and a number of short-stories and plays. An additional title was made available in English in 2006 thanks to the translation by Marie Ramsland of Hanoi Blues.
A fighter is back
After 25 years of exile, Jeanne Cordelier is now back on the literary scene in France. During her years abroad publishing was not always easy. The new edition of La Dérobade was published by Éditions Phébus. It has a preface by Benoîte Groult about that world where everything should stay in darkness for the benefits of those who are trafficking human beings. There is also a post-face by Jeanne Cordelier, Les Dessous de La Dérobade. There is a page with some of the media responses to the new edition on the French site of Jeanne Cordelier: le dossier médias de La Dérobade 2007.
Reconstruction, her latest book, was published in 2010. For the French media, this book is an autobiography. You will find the a selection of media reactions on the French site: 
le dossier médias 2010. The drawing by Pancho illustrated the review of Reconstruction by André Rollin in Le Canard Enchaîné : "Hors des hordes". Her next book will be published in 2012.
On this site
You will find pieces of a biography, all books by Jeanne Cordelier, her plays and other texts. Please note that this English site is not regularly updated. For the latest updated news and information, you may want to visit the French site of Jeanne Cordelier.
Links to literature, art and creations
The link page provides a selection of links related to Jeanne Cordelier and her writer and painter friends. Suggestions for links of interest to visitors of this site are welcome.
