The Chalk Circle Man
1991 novel by Fred Vargas
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The Chalk Circle Man (French: L'Homme aux cercles bleus) is a novel by French crime-writer Fred Vargas. The first of her Commissaire Adamsberg series, it was published in 1991. An English translation by Sian Reynolds was published in 2009.[1] Vargas received the 2009 Crime Writers Association International Dagger for this work.[2]
First edition (French) | |
| Author | Fred Vargas |
|---|---|
| Original title | L'Homme aux cercles bleus |
| Translator | Sian Reynolds |
| Language | French |
| Series | Commissaire Adamsberg |
| Genre | Crime / Thriller |
| Publisher | Hermé |
Publication date | 1991 |
| Publication place | France |
| ISBN | 9780143115953 |
| Followed by | Seeking Whom He May Devour |
The novel is the first in a series featuring French policeman Commissaire Jean-Baptiste Adamsberg. It describes the background of Adamsberg's move to Paris, the origins of his partnership with Inspector Adrien Danglard, and a glimpse at his elusive relationship with Camille. Much emphasis is placed on the theme of different ways of thinking - contrasting the two policemen's distinct approaches to investigations, and indeed life. There are also a number of typical Vargas elements in the story: a pedestrian's view of the geography of Paris, independent, eccentric but effective older women, a misdirection of the apparently abnormal drawn over the deliberate actions of a killer.
A telefilm of the novel (2009) starred Jean-Hugues Anglade as Adamsberg, Charlotte Rampling as Mathilde Forestier, Jacques Spiesser as Danglard and Jean-Pierre Léaud as Louis le Nermond, and was directed by Josée Dayan.
