Emmanuel Carrère, writer: ‘There is only one rule: do no harm — and I broke it with my mother and girlfriend at the time’

Emmanuel Carrère discusses his new book, "Kolkhoz," which intertwines his mother's life story with the historical context of the Ukraine war. He reflects on his complex relationship with his mother, Hélène Carrère d’Encausse, a prominent historian, and acknowledges the ethical dilemmas of writing about loved ones. Carrère admits to having crossed boundaries in his previous works, particularly regarding his mother and girlfriend, expressing regret for exposing their intimacy. He emphasizes the importance of not causing harm in storytelling, especially concerning private individuals. The book serves as a tribute to his mother's legacy and their shared Russian heritage, while also addressing the impact of the Ukraine conflict on their family dynamics.