Didier Decoin: 'When the dream prevails over the facts, you enter literature'

French author Didier Decoin finds a profound connection between real-life events and literature, suggesting that the transition into the literary realm occurs when imagination takes precedence over strict factual reporting. His latest novel, "Maypops," is inspired by an American true crime case, a genre he has frequently explored.

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You know, one doesn't choose to fall in love. You walk down the street, you meet a gaze, and that's it. Me, I fell in love with true crime stories.

Decoin observes that many novelists share his fascination with true crime. He points to Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" as a prime example and traces this literary interest back to ancient biblical narratives, citing the story of Cain and Abel as perhaps the very first true crime account. This enduring appeal, he suggests, is almost universal among writers.

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And I'm not the only one: many novelists have been interested in them, especially those who worked for Détective magazine.

He further elaborates on the parallels between true crime incidents and classical tragedy. Decoin asserts that these events inherently contain all the fundamental components of tragedy, drawing a comparison to figures like Iphigenia, whose story is a cornerstone of dramatic literature. The inherent drama, human flaws, and profound consequences found in true crime resonate deeply with the structures of tragic storytelling.

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Truman Capote, with 'In Cold Blood,' is a formidable example. This fascination is almost universal.