Ravel

"Ravel - Grand Format" is a book that focuses on the last ten years of the life of French composer Maurice Ravel (1875-1937). The book provides an in-depth look at Ravel's life during this time, including his struggles with health issues and his attempts to join the military. Despite his small stature, Ravel was determined to serve his country and even tried to convince authorities that his lightweight body would be ideal for aviation. However, he was ultimately rejected from joining the military and instead was assigned to drive heavy trucks. The book provides a vivid picture of Ravel's life during this time, including an amusing scene where he is seen driving a large military truck while wearing a cap that is too big for him.

Ravel fut grand comme un jockey, donc comme Faulkner. Son corps était si léger qu'en 1914, désireux de s'engager, il tenta de persuader les autorités militaires qu'un pareil poids serait justement idéal pour l'aviation. Cette incorporation lui fut refusée, d'ailleurs on l'exempta de toute obligation mais, comme il insistait, on l'affecta sans rire à la conduite des poids lourds. C'est ainsi qu'on put voir un jour, descendant les Champs-Élysées, un énorme camion militaire contenant une petite forme en capote bleue trop grande agrippée tant bien que mal à un volant trop gros. Ce roman retrace les dix dernières années de la vie du compositeur français Maurice Ravel (1875-1937).