Sarah Biasini, daughter of Romy Schneider, is expanding her literary portfolio with the upcoming German release of her book Jouer l’amant (Playing the Lover). According to the Parisian publisher Éditions Stock and the Vienna-based Zsolnay (Hanser Literaturverlage), the translation is currently underway with a scheduled German release in 2027.
From Harold Pinter’s Stage to the Written Page
The book is a psychological reflection inspired by Biasini’s role as Sarah in a production of Harold Pinter’s play, The Lover. Biasini performed the role in Paris for five weeks alongside Pierre Rochefort, the son of Jean Rochefort. The production was developed during the summer of 2025 at the Avignon Theater Festival.
Biasini told bookstore owner Madleen Renault during a presentation in Metz that the book explores the internal thoughts she developed while on stage. She noted that Pinter’s approach is “deeply honest” because it acknowledges that everyone has fantasies and desires, specifically granting a significant space to female desire.
Did you know? Sarah Biasini is a fifth-generation actress. Her lineage includes her mother, Romy Schneider, and a long line of performers through her paternal and maternal grandparents.
The Psychology of Desire and Identity
Jouer l’amant is not a diary but a psychological chamber play. It examines the blurring lines between reality and fantasy, particularly when a husband becomes jealous of his own alter ego—the lover. Biasini describes the character of Sarah as one who “fights for her needs,” calling it the most interesting role she has played to date.
During her presentation at the Hisler bookstore in Metz, Biasini discussed the difficulty of being oneself within a marriage. She suggested that using disguises—mentioning a “plumber” as an example—can sometimes make it easier to convey certain messages to a partner.
Bridging the Gap Between Actor and Audience
Biasini’s approach to performance is rooted in a training method that utilizes personal life experiences to mirror a character’s emotions. She highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the performer and the viewer, stating that actors constantly monitor the audience to see if they are bored or distracted.
She shared an anecdote from director Claude Régy, who claimed that actors only become “good” after their first 30 performances. This commitment to the craft has earned her high praise in the French press for her interpretation of Pinter’s work.
Pro Tip: For those unable to wait until the 2027 German release, the original French version Jouer l’amant is available via Éditions Stock (192 pages, 19 Euro).
Comparing Biasini’s Literary Works
This new project marks a shift in theme from her previous writing. Her 2021 debut, Die Schönheit des Himmels (The Beauty of the Sky), focused on maternal relationships, grief, and her own daughter, becoming a bestseller. While her first book was a reflection on family and loss, Jouer l’amant serves as an immersion into the theater world and the complexities of human longing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Sarah Biasini’s new book be available in German?
The translation is being handled by Zsolnay (Hanser Literaturverlage) and is expected to be released in 2027.
What is the inspiration for Jouer l’amant?
The book is based on Biasini’s experience playing the lead role in Harold Pinter’s play, The Lover, in Paris and Avignon.
Who is Sarah Biasini?
She is a Paris-based actress and author, and the daughter of Romy Schneider and Daniel Biasini.
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