Georges Simenon was a man deeply driven by his desires, which he pursued with fervor both in his personal life and professional sphere. Renowned for his self-promotion, he frequently recounted his own life stories, resulting in a legacy of autobiographical work that includes two novels and four autobiographies. Post-1973 retirement, he dedicated himself to memoir writing, ultimately producing twenty-one volumes, challenging his biographers with an overabundance of information, often laced with contradictions.

A Prolific Creative Force

Simenon ranks among the most industrious authors ever, adhering to a stringent writing regimen that left him near exhaustion. Remarkably, he could complete a book in just twelve days—allocating seven days to writing and five to editing. He would seclude himself in his study, typing over eighty pages a day, a discipline that allowed him to release several books annually. A myth arose claiming Simenon once penned a novel while encased in glass, though no facts support this tale. Given his vast output across various genres and pseudonyms, accurately tallying his works remains elusive. His pseudonyms included Bobette, Jacques Dersonnes, Georges d’Isly, Luc Dorsan, and Christian Brulls, among many others.

Early Life and Family Dynamics

Born on February 13, 1903, in Liège, Belgium, Simenon was the eldest of two sons to Désiré and Henriette Simenon. He shared a loving bond with his father, who often forgave his youthful transgressions. In contrast, his relationship with his mother was fraught, as she openly favored his younger brother Christian, refusing to spend money Simenon gifted her even during his peak earnings. At fifteen, after his father suffered a heart attack, Simenon left school.

The Journalist and La Caque

At sixteen, Simenon joined the Gazette de Liège as a reporter. He mingled with an artistic and intellectual circle known as La Caque, whose members were more infamous for their antics than their brilliance. Nonetheless, this group led him to meet Regine Renchon, later known as Tigy, his first wife and mother to his eldest son. Notably, Simenon often changed the names of significant women in his life.

Personal Passions and Priestly Aspirations

In his youth, Simenon had aspirations for priesthood, but at twelve, after his first sexual experience, he developed an insatiable sexual appetite. Particularly fond of prostitutes, he once traded his father's watch for an encounter with a black woman. His sexual exploits were inseparable from his identity, boasting of over ten thousand partners, including wives, nurses, and maids. His wives tolerated and sometimes encouraged his unfaithfulness, viewing it akin to his other obsessions like pipe collecting or frequent relocations.

Turning Point of 1921

Simenon’s engagement to Tigy came in 1921, a pivotal year marked by his father's death and the publication of his debut novel, Au Pont des Arches. While continuing his journalism, Simenon moved away from his past, distancing himself from La Caque. The suicide of his friend Joseph Kleine, coupled with his father’s passing and ongoing maternal strife, spurred him to leave Liège for Paris.

Life in Paris and Wartime Challenges

Though he traveled globally and resided in five countries, Paris remained central to Simenon’s identity. During the Nazi Occupation, he maintained popularity but faced scrutiny as a potential collaborator. However, no evidence suggests he aided the Germans; he primarily desired peace to focus on family and work.

Transatlantic Moves and Family Dynamics

In 1945, Simenon relocated his family to Canada, soon hiring Denyse Ouimet, who became both his secretary and second wife, bearing him three children. The family later settled in Florida and Arizona, living amidst complicated domestic arrangements. After Denise’s pregnancy, Simenon married her in 1950 after divorcing Tigy. They moved...