The Alliance Française of Greater Orlando continues its Monthly Cultural Talks series, offering a platform for engaging discussions with inspiring figures from the Francophone world.
Monthly Cultural Talks – April Edition
- Date: Friday, April 25 , 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: Alliance Française of Greater Orlando
- Admission: Free for AFGO members, $5 for non-members
Please note: This conference will be held in English, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy and participate.
RAYMOND, 1939: MON GRAND-PERE ALSACIEN AVAIT 20 ANS
For our April Cultural Talks, we are delighted to welcome Marie Oury, a French historian and author currently living in Orlando. With a background in historical research and storytelling, Marie has spent years exploring World War II through a deeply personal lens—her grandfather’s.
In Raymond, 1939: Mon Grand-Père Alsacien Avait 20 Ans (Raymond: 1939, My Alsatian Grandfather Was 20), Marie expands on the memoir her grandfather Raymond wrote in 1994, preserving his original voice while weaving in historical context to situate his personal story within the larger framework of World War II and the annexation of Alsace by the Third Reich. With Raymond’s tone full of irony and vivid detail, and Marie’s thoughtful perspective, the book brings to life the identity struggles and hardships faced by Alsatians caught between France and Germany.
This talk marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and is a rare opportunity to uncover a lesser-known chapter of history, blending personal testimony with in-depth historical insight.
Signed copies of Marie’s book will be available for purchase at the event.
Join us for an evening of memory, resilience, and discovery—and help us keep these powerful stories alive.
Pre-register now to reserve your seat!