Sion-Sur-L'Océan (Vendée)

Autograph postcard signed by Julien Gracq, (19 lines in black ink), addressed to his friend and monographer Ariel Denis, written from his Vendée retreat, on the verso of a photographic reproduction showing the Sion-sur-Océan coast from aerial view.
Julien Gracq discusses his reading of Joyce and compares the Irish landscapes and climate to those of Vendée : "Ici, aucune trace des brumes d'Irlande, il fait inaltérablement beau, sans même un orage..." (Here, no trace of Irish mists, the weather is unalterably beautiful, without even a storm...) and inquires about his friend's professional future : "Comment s'arrangent vos perspectives universitaires pour l'année à venir? Problème qui je sais, assombrit toujours un peu vos fins de vacances et dont j'espère qu'il va se régler à votre satisfaction." (How are your university prospects working out for the coming year? A problem which I know always casts a slight shadow over your vacation endings and which I hope will be resolved to your satisfaction.)

Autograph postcard signed by Julien Gracq of 20 lines addressed to his friend and biographer Ariel Denis, written in black felt-tip pen, on the verso of a photograph representing the castle of la Flocellière in Vendée, not far from his apartment in Sion-sur-l'Océan.
Julien Gracq congratulates Ariel Denis on the accuracy of his latest article: "... I find your review excellent and particularly understanding..." although he offers a slight and humorous caveat: "... my only objection being the fashionable adjective pregnant (word underlined) which seems to me to be absolutely proscribed as soon as it no longer concerns pregnant women".
The author of "Au château d'Argol" shows confidence in his friend's future: "... Perhaps reviews of this quality will open access to a door at éditions du Sorbier for you?" while remaining cautious and modest about his own: "...I refuse to hope too much... finally, some positive turn of events will occur one day in this quest! "
Finally, Julien Gracq evokes the holiday period and concludes his missive with a question mocking the postcard's subtitle "Seminary of Elder Vocations east facade": "this card is also a riddle: what is a seminary of Elder vocations?"

Autograph signed postcard from Julien Gracq with 16 lines addressed to his friend and monographer Ariel Denis, written in black felt-tip pen, on the reverse of a photograph showing the beach of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez in Vendée, not far from his apartment in Sion-sur-l'Océan.
Julien Gracq thanks Ariel Denis for the news he sent him from Constantinople : "... je suis heureux que votre voyage se soit terminé sans hostilités..." ["... I am happy that your journey ended without hostilities..."] while lamenting the August crowds disturbing his peaceful retreat in Vendée: "... Je suis à Sion...et hélas !, il y a beaucoup de monde" ["... I am in Sion... and alas! there are many people"].
Then the author of "Le Rivage des Syrtes" celebrates the critics' benevolence toward him with his characteristic modesty : "... j'ai lu en effet l'article de France soir que vous me signalez : je n'ai pas eu à me plaindre de la critique , surtout à propos d'un ouvrage qui n'était pas très important et qui ne prétendait pas l'être." ["... I did indeed read the France Soir article you pointed out to me: I have not had cause to complain about the critics, especially regarding a work that was not very important and did not claim to be."]