Lucien Bodard (January 9, 1914 – March 2, 1998) was a distinguished French journalist and author renowned for his extensive coverage of Asian affairs. Born in Chongqing, China, to French consul Albert Bodard, he spent his formative years immersed in Chinese culture and language, becoming fluent in Mandarin. His childhood was spent in various Chinese cities, including Chengdu and Shanghai, before returning to France for his education.
Bodard's deep understanding of Asian societies, particularly in China and Vietnam, provided him with a unique lens through which to analyze the tumultuous events of the early 20th century. In 1944, he began his journalism career, reporting from the Far East on critical issues such as the Southeast Asian conflict and the emergence of communist China during the First Indochina War. His compelling narratives and insights established him as one of the foremost French war correspondents, especially during the French Indochina War and the early stages of the Vietnam War.
In the 1970s, Bodard pivoted to fiction, drawing inspiration from his childhood experiences in Asia. His novels, characterized by a rich, baroque style often infused with humor, earned him significant acclaim. Notable works include "Monsieur le consul," which won the Prix Interallié, and "Anne Marie," awarded the prestigious Prix Goncourt. His final publication, "Le chien de Mao," focused on Jiang Qing, Mao Zedong's third wife, and was released in the same year he passed away. Bodard's literary contributions have often drawn comparisons to other celebrated French writers such as Albert Londres and Joseph Kessel.
