'Happiness is not that interesting in literature': Leïla Slimani on making art out of existential boredom

Leïla Slimani is the Prix Goncourt-winning author of The Perfect Nanny, which took the literary world by storm when it was first published in France in 2016.

French President Emmanuel Macron gave her the job of cultural ambassador, and just recently, Vanity Fair named her the second most influential person in France.

After the success of The Perfect Nanny, Slimani's novels began to gain popularity around the globe. Publishers wanted more from the bestselling author, so they went back to her archives to re-release her 2014 debut novel, Adèle, for English readers.  

Adèle is about a journalist who's addicted to sex. She seeks out risky affairs but can't ever seem to satisfy her needs. 

Slimani joined q's Tom Power to tell us more about her book, her successes and her art. 

Click 'listen' near the top of this page to hear the full interview.

— Produced by Vanessa Greco