Marie Lebert's Entretiens (1998-2001) is a unique snapshot of a pivotal moment. This book isn't a single narrative but a curated collection of interviews conducted over three critical years. Lebert talks with a diverse group—authors, translators, librarians, and digital pioneers—all grappling with the same seismic shift: the rise of the internet and digital publishing.

The Story

There's no traditional plot. Instead, the 'story' is the collective conversation. Each interview is a standalone piece where Lebert asks her subjects about their work, their fears, and their hopes regarding technology. You'll hear from people creating the first e-books, others worried about preserving culture, and visionaries predicting how we'll read and write. The through-line is the shared experience of standing at a crossroads, wondering which path to take.

Why You Should Read It

Reading this today is a fascinating exercise in perspective. Some predictions are spot-on, others wildly off-base, and that's what makes it so compelling. It removes the gloss of hindsight and lets you sit with the raw, uncertain excitement of the time. You get a real sense of the human beings behind the tech—their passion, their anxiety, and their curiosity. It’s less about data and more about dreams and dilemmas.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone nostalgic for the early web, students of media history, or readers who enjoy primary source material. It’s not a flashy page-turner; it’s a thoughtful, quiet book best enjoyed in pieces. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for how our digital world was imagined before it was fully built.