Julien Green was born on September 6, 1900, in Paris, France. He was a French-American writer known for his incredible body of work, which includes renowned novels such as The Dark Journey, The Closed Garden, Moira, and Each Man in His Darkness. Green also left a lasting legacy with his nineteen-volume diary and a four-volume autobiography.
In the early stages of his career, Green went to New York to work at the United States Office of War Information during World War II. This experience greatly influenced his writing and worldview. He mostly wrote in French, despite being of American nationality, which made him the first non-French national to be elected to the Académie française.
Green shared many years of his life with his partner Robert de Saint-Jean. Their relationship was a central part of his personal life and greatly influenced his writing. Despite the challenges they faced as a couple in a time when LGBTQ+ relationships were not fully accepted, Green and Saint-Jean found solace in each other's company.
Another highlight of Green's career was his collaboration with iconic actor Yul Brynner while working on radio broadcasts for Voice of America. Their partnership brought a new dimension to Green's work and solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile writer.
Green's impact extended beyond his literary works, as he was also deeply involved in social and political causes. He used his platform to advocate for justice, equality, and human rights, becoming a voice for the marginalized and oppressed.
Throughout his life, Green faced various challenges and obstacles, but his resilience and determination always shone through. He was a trailblazer in many ways, breaking barriers and pushing boundaries with his writing and activism.
Green's legacy continues to inspire generations of writers, activists, and readers around the world. His contributions to literature and social change remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.
Julien Green passed away on August 13, 1998, leaving behind a remarkable body of work and a lasting impact on the world of literature and beyond.