6 New French Books You Should Read
It’s French literary award season, and the juries have highlighted books that deserve a spot on your growing “To Read” list — along with one overlooked gem. The Prix Goncourt, France’s most prestigious literary prize, awards a cheque for €10, which winners often frame and proudly display, sometimes at a greater cost than the prize itself. The Prix Renaudot offers no cash reward, yet both awards, along with the Prix Médicis, the Femina Prize, and the Académie Française Grand Prix du Roman, significantly increase book sales.
To stay ahead in literary conversations, consider these French titles the next time you visit your local bookstore.
La Maison Vide (The Empty House)
Laurent Mauvignier won the Prix Goncourt after just one round of jury voting for La Maison Vide — a detailed, fourth wall-breaking fictional exploration of his family’s history, beginning with his great-great-grandmother through heirlooms and keepsakes. The 750-page novel carries an intriguing thriller-like atmosphere. Earlier, it had already won the Prix littéraire Le Monde and the Prix des libraires de Nancy-Le Point and was nominated for the Femina prize.
“La Maison Vide” is a forensic, fictional tour of Mauvignier’s family past, told through heirlooms and mementoes.
This award season highlights the continuing influence of French literary prizes on popular reading culture.
Author's summary: French literary prizes, while sometimes symbolic in monetary value, profoundly impact book sales and spotlight remarkable works like Laurent Mauvignier’s acclaimed La Maison Vide.