The Literary Journey of Romain Puértolas
From investigating document fraud to becoming an international bestselling author, Romain Puértolas has led a life defined by unexpected transitions. Best known for his comedic and heartwarming debut novel, Puértolas has captured the imaginations of readers in dozens of countries, proving that sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin in the most unlikely places.
Key Facts
- Nationality: French
- Most Famous Work: The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe
- Global Reach: His debut novel has been sold in 36 nations.
- Writing Style: Known for fast-paced, comedic, and humorous storytelling.
- Previous Career: Former police officer and border guard specializing in document fraud.
Early Life and Diverse Career
Born on December 21, 1975, in Montpellier, France, Puértolas grew up in a military household; his father was a Spanish Army colonel and his mother was a French army administrator. Before finding success in literature, he worked as an airport controller in Madrid, Spain.
At the age of 33, Puértolas transitioned into a career as a police officer and border guard in France. During this time, he specialized in examining document fraud—the practice of using forged or altered identification—within illegal immigration networks. This firsthand experience with the complexities of borders and migration would later inform the deeper themes in his writing.
The "Trickbusters" Era
In 2008, Puértolas explored a different creative outlet by producing a series of approximately 60 videos titled the "Trickbusters Show." Created alongside a Spanish engineer friend known as "Skeptic Munoz," these videos aimed to debunk the illusions of magicians and fakirs. The series gained significant attention on platforms like YouTube and Dailymotion, though it also faced controversy when the YouTube account was closed following dissatisfaction from stage magician David Copperfield.
Literary Success and Major Works
Puértolas' literary career skyrocketed with his debut novel, The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe (originally published in French as L' extraordinaire voyage du fakir qui était resté coincé dans une armoire Ikéa). Written in just one month in 2013, the book became a massive success, selling over 100,000 copies in France by August 2014.
The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir
The novel follows Ajatashatru Oghash Rathod, a 38-year-old fakir (a practitioner of asceticism or someone who performs feats of illusion) from Rajasthan, India. After tricking his village into believing he has special powers, Rathod travels to Paris to purchase a bed of nails from an IKEA store. His journey becomes a whirlwind of global adventure involving IKEA wardrobes, Louis Vuitton suitcases, and hot air balloons.
While the tone is comedic, Puértolas infused the story with social commentary. He intended to explore the struggles of immigrants, illustrated through the character Assefa, a Sudanese man Rathod meets. The novel's success earned Puértolas the Le Grand Prix Jules-Verne in 2014 and a position as a finalist for the 2013 Prix Renaudot.
Film Adaptation and Second Novel
The popularity of his debut led to a film adaptation titled The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir, released on May 30, 2018. Directed by Ken Scott and produced by Brio Films and Vamonos Films, the movie stars Dhanush, Bérénice Bejo, and Erin Moriarty, with Puértolas contributing to the script as a screenwriter.
Puértolas followed his debut with a second novel, The Little Girl Who Swallowed A Cloud As Big As The Eiffel Tower (La petite fille qui avait avalé un nuage grand comme la tour Eiffel), which he wrote in just two and a half weeks. Published in French in January 2015, the book has seen its rights sold to a dozen countries.
Summary of Major Publications
| Title (English) | Original French Title | Publication Year (French) | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir Who Got Trapped in an Ikea Wardrobe | L' extraordinaire voyage du fakir qui était resté coincé dans une armoire Ikéa | 2013 | Sold in 36 nations; Le Grand Prix Jules-Verne winner |
| The Little Girl Who Swallowed A Cloud As Big As The Eiffel Tower | La petite fille qui avait avalé un nuage grand comme la tour Eiffel | 2015 | Foreign rights sold to 12 countries |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Romain Puértolas' profession before becoming an author?
Before his writing career, Puértolas worked as an airport controller in Madrid and later served as a police officer and border guard in France, specializing in document fraud.
How long does it take Romain Puértolas to write a novel?
Puértolas is known for a very rapid writing process; he wrote his debut novel in approximately one month and his second novel in two and a half weeks.
Has his work been adapted for the screen?
Yes. His debut novel was adapted into the film The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir, which was released in May 2018.
What is the main theme of his most famous book?
While the book is a comedy, it explores themes of luck, the challenges faced by immigrants, and the difficulties of being born in restricted regions like Sudan.
Is he still writing books?
Yes, Puértolas has stated that he is currently working on five new novels, one of which is set partially in New York City.