Based on a True Story by Delphine de Vigan (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of Based on a True Story by Delphine de Vigan. It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, including writing, manipulation and the boundary between fiction and reality. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 46-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Delphine de Vigan
• Presentation of Based on a True Story
• Summary of Based on a True Story
• Character study
  • Delphine
  • L.
  • François
• Analysis of Based on a True Story
  • A sort of autobiography
  • The duality of the writer
  • The status of fiction within literature

About Based on a True Story

Based on a True Story was first published in French in 2015, with an English translation appearing in 2017. Its protagonist bears many similarities to the author herself: they share a first name, are both successful writers and even have similar romantic histories. De Vigan uses these apparently autobiographical details, as well as the presence of another female character who comes to occupy an increasingly significant place in the author’s life, to reflect on identity, the role of fiction and the boundaries between imagination and real life. Based on a True Story was an immediate popular and critical success, and was nominated for the Prix Goncourt, Prix Renaudot and Prix Médicis, three of France’s most popular literary awards.

About Delphine de Vigan

Delphine de Vigan is a contemporary French author and screenwriter. She published her first novel, Days Without Hunger, in 2001 under the pseudonym Lou Delvig, and since then has released a string of successful novels under her own name, including the award-winning No and Me and Based on a True Story. Her books are both critically and commercially successful, and she has established herself as a key figure on the French literary scene thanks to her captivating writing style, fascinating characters and highly relevant stories.