Juliette Benzoni French writer, novelist Date of Birth: 30.10.1920 Country: France

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Marriage and Early Career
3. Literary Breakthrough
4. Later Life and Success
5. Recognition and Legacy

Early Life and Influences

Juliette Benzoni was born Juliette Marguerite Mangin on October 30, 1920, in Paris, France. Her father, Charles-Hubert Mangin, was a Lorraine industrialist, while her mother, Marie-Suzanne Arnoult, had roots in Champagne, Alsace, and Switzerland.

Juliette was an avid reader from a young age, particularly enjoying the works of Alexandre Dumas père. She studied at Mademoiselle Désir's classes at Lycée Fénelon, then at Collège Hulst, where she earned her baccalaureate. She later attended the Institut Catholique de Paris.

Marriage and Early Career

In 1941, Juliette married Maurice Galois and moved to Dijon, where her husband worked as a doctor. She spent much time in local libraries, studying the history of Burgundy. They had two children together, Anna and Jean-François.

After the death of her first husband in 1950, Juliette moved to Morocco and married Captain André Benzoni in 1953. The couple later returned to France and settled in the Paris suburb of Saint-Mandé.

From 1953 to 1956, Juliette worked as a journalist, writing articles on historical topics.

Literary Breakthrough

In 1964, Juliette Benzoni released her first major novel, "Catherine." Combining romance with historically accurate details, the book became a critical and commercial success. She went on to write numerous other historical and historical-romance novels, earning a reputation for her vivid storytelling and meticulous research.

Later Life and Success

Juliette Benzoni lived in Saint-Mandé, where she wrote most of her books. She maintained a rigorous writing schedule, working from 6 to 9 AM each day on a typewriter. She published an impressive two novels per year.

Benzoni's novels were translated into 22 languages and sold over 50 million copies worldwide. She became one of the most widely read French authors of all time. Russian readers were particularly enthusiastic about her works, which were translated and published in various Russian periodicals and anthologies.

Recognition and Legacy

In 1973, Juliette Benzoni received the Prix Alexandre Dumas père. In 1998, she was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite. Additionally, she received the Louis Barthou Prize and the Médaille d'Argent de l'Académie Française for her novel "Félicia au Soleil Couchant."

Juliette Benzoni's influence on the historical-romance genre is undeniable. Her novels continue to captivate readers worldwide, offering a blend of adventure, romance, and historical insights.