Much admired for his his autobiographical novels, including A Boy’s Own Story, and his work on French literature and culture, he is unashamed of his youthful craving for fame, noting: “If you say it in French, ‘gloire,’ it sounds better.” Well, sure: what doesn’t? A conversation at La Maison Française with music from Rich Jenkins.

• •  PERSON: Marilyn Schaefer
  •  PLACE: Buyukada
  •  THING: his bat vase
  •  RANDY’S THING: a necktie