Jean Reno Says 'Benigni Taught Me Italian' and Releases Novel

Jean Reno said that Roberto Benigni taught him Italian and launched the crime novel "Evasione", written during the pandemic, in an interview on Radio2 Social Club. The actor talked about the book's origin, its plot between Paris and Siberia, and the connection to current themes like the fate of Ukrainian children.

Summary of the Radio2 Social Club interview

Jean Reno appeared on the program Radio2 Social Club, hosted by Luca Barbarossa and Ema Stokholma, where he discussed his career, the new book, and the plays on stage. According to ANSA, Reno stated that "the Italian was taught to me by Roberto Benigni" and recalled his collaboration with Benigni on the film La tigre e la neve. The actor also said he does not consider himself a professional writer, preferring to call himself a storyteller who transcribes experiences and imagination to the page.

The Radio2 appearance had a promotional and personal tone: in addition to commenting on his relationship with Benigni, Reno spoke about how writing has been part of his artistic and autobiographical routine.

How the novel "Evasione" came about

Reno explained that he wrote "Evasione" during the Covid-19 pandemic, while staying in the south of France, living in a small village. He turned writing into a form of occupation and resistance to isolation: he began "to not spend the whole day doing nothing", according to ANSA. The confinement experience acts as a catalyst for the creative process, turning hours of waiting into narrative.

The author described the act of writing as a practical exercise in storytelling — closer to his experience as an actor than to the formal label of novelist. This perspective may interest readers who follow multifaceted artistic careers, a recurring theme in our coverage of Vida na Itália and culture.

Plot and themes of "Evasione"

"Evasione" is presented as a modern giallo — Italian term for crime or mystery novels — centered on a female protagonist who, for love, ends up becoming a spy in service of France. The character begins her professional life as a massage therapist and later works for the secret services, traveling between Paris, Moscow, and Siberia.

The protagonist's investigation leads to dramatic discoveries: a secret prison and a plot involving the case of Ukrainian children deported to camps of "reeducation" during the conflict. Reno said that this aspect of the novel touches current events directly, bringing reflections on displacement, violence, and the manipulation of minors in war contexts to the plot. According to ANSA, the author sought to insert into the novel a narrative thread that speaks to international human rights and migration themes.

The tone of the book, as described in the interview, blends suspense, espionage, and political implications, bringing the reader closer to contemporary debates that are also covered in our Notícias da Itália.

Acting and public schedule

In addition to the literary launch, Jean Reno remains active on stage: he is touring with the show "Il Cammello", using performances as part of promoting the novel and his cultural visibility. The Radio2 interview served, according to ANSA, both to present the book and to publicize his tour dates and events in which he participates.

This combination of theater, cinema, and literature reinforces the artist's image as a multifaceted public figure, connected to different cultural languages — useful information for readers who follow cultural news and events in Italy and abroad. See our Notícias da Itália section for coverage of releases and tours.

Relevance for Brazilians of Italian descent

Reno's statement about having learned Italian from Roberto Benigni creates a direct bridge to Italian culture and language, a topic of interest for Brazilians of Italian origin who value linguistic preservation and cultural ties. The memory of La tigre e la neve also reminds us of the circulation of artists and works between France and Italy, a topic that typically interests readers of the Vida na Itália column and those researching Cidadania Italiana out of cultural affinity.

The novel also addresses migration and children's rights in a conflict setting, issues with international resonance that dialogue with debates on refuge, child protection, and public policies related to forced displacement.

"The Italian was taught to me by Roberto Benigni", said Jean Reno in an interview with Radio2 Social Club, according to ANSA.

Jean Reno pairs with "Evasione" the acting experience and a look at contemporary events, delivering a thriller that aims to connect fiction with real-world urgencies.

Source: ANSA