6 New French Books You Should Read
As France enters its literary award season, several standout books are capturing readers’ attention. While juries highlight the most remarkable works of the year, a few titles make an impact far beyond the prizes themselves.
Prix Goncourt and Other Awards
The Prix Goncourt, France’s most prestigious literary honor, comes with a symbolic reward — a cheque for €10. Many laureates reportedly frame it, sometimes spending more on the frame than on the prize itself, and display it proudly in their workspace.
The Prix Renaudot offers no financial award at all, yet both prizes, along with the Prix Médicis, the Femina Prize, and the Académie Française’s Grand Prix du Roman, dramatically increase book sales and author recognition.
La Maison Vide (The Empty House)
The Prix Goncourt jury needed only a single round of voting to grant the award to Laurent Mauvignier for La Maison Vide. This powerful novel explores the author’s family lineage through heirlooms and memories, weaving a complex narrative that spans generations.
At 750 pages, the book carries a suspenseful tone reminiscent of a psychological thriller. It has already received the Prix littéraire Le Monde and the Prix des libraires de Nancy–Le Point, and was also a Femina Prize nominee.
"La Maison Vide" takes readers on a forensic and deeply personal journey through time, memory, and legacy.
In Summary
If you want to stay current with French literature, these award-winning and nominated books are the ones to add to your reading list the next time you visit your favorite bookstore.
Author's summary: A look at France’s literary season, its symbolic prizes, and the award-winning novels that deserve a place on every reader’s shelf.