Robert Dessaix
Robert Dessaix: A Life of Words and Wonder
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Dessaix is the pen name of Robert Lloyd, an Australian writer, translator, and broadcaster.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 13, 1943, in Melbourne, Australia. No death date specified.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Australian, Writer, Translator, Broadcaster
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Melbourne during World War II, Dessaix's childhood was marked by both the uncertainty of war and the comforts of a loving family. His parents, Robert Lloyd and his wife, instilled in him a love for languages and literature from an early age. This foundation would serve as the bedrock upon which he built his future career.
Dessaix's family moved to Paris when he was 15 years old, providing him with unparalleled access to some of the world's greatest cultural and literary treasures. It was here that he developed a deep appreciation for the French language and culture, skills he would later employ as a translator.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Dessaix has made significant contributions in various fields:
Literary Translator: His translations of French literature into English have been widely praised. Notably, his translation of Jean-Paul Sartre's 'The Flies' is considered a masterpiece.
Writer: As Robert Dessaix, he has penned several novels and memoirs that explore themes of identity, culture, and the human condition. His works often blend elements of fiction and non-fiction in innovative ways.
Broadcaster: Dessaix has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for various Australian media outlets. He has used this platform to share his insights on literature, politics, and society.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Dessaix's most notable works include:
'A Mother's Disgrace' (1994), a novel that explores the complexities of family relationships.
'Twilight of Love: Travels with Turgenev' (2008), a memoir that delves into his experiences as a translator and traveler.Impact and Legacy
Robert Dessaix has left an indelible mark on Australian literature and culture. His innovative approach to translation, writing, and broadcasting has inspired generations of writers and thinkers:
Innovative Storytelling: Through his unique blend of fiction and non-fiction, he has pushed the boundaries of narrative forms.
Cultural Ambassadorship: As a translator and broadcaster, Dessaix has facilitated cross-cultural exchange between Australia and France.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Dessaix's enduring appeal can be attributed to his:
Intellectual Curiosity: He continues to engage with the world around him, seeking out new ideas and perspectives.
Craftsmanship: His translations and writings are characterized by a deep respect for language and form.
Vulnerability: Dessaix's willingness to share personal anecdotes and experiences has created a sense of connection with readers.
Quotes by Robert Dessaix
You turn your life into a work of art in order to redeem the ordinariness – a condition you are stuck with.
A form of art that I like is portraiture. I’ve been thinking about portraiture, and its relationship to writing and literature, biography and autobiography, and so that will be my next thing.
I want to write the sort the book that my people want to read, even if the market is small.
I think that a lot of people do have a physical Ithaca, but I don’t think that I do and I think that a lot of people do not. This depends on your values and the circumstances of your life. My Ithaca is in the Mental realm and this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to go back to it.
Every time you watch a performance in the theatre, you know that this is just for you, and will never be the same again. It is quite exciting for me.
You are obviously writing out of experience and so the boundaries are always blurred, it is just that sometimes it would seem that you are playing with fire a little bit by choosing someone that obviously existed.
One has to choose a word in English. If you want to be eligible for a literary prize you have to designate it as something.
It is much easier for me to define what makes a novel French or Russian, but defining the characteristics of an Australian novel are difficult for me as it is all too close – I can’t see the woods for the trees.
I don’t write quickly or a lot. Well actually I write quickly, but I don’t have a store of things. I will wait for that erotic moment – like the one which struck me when someone said “have you ever heard of Kester Berwick?”
I’ve always had a fascination for the stage which has to do with transfiguration. One moment you are John Smith from East Brighton riding in your cart, and the next moment you are in a completely different world.