The four finalists for the 2026 Prix des Deux Magots literary prize have been revealed, chosen by a jury led by Étienne de Montety. This marks the 93rd edition of the prestigious award, which honors outstanding literary works in France. The shortlisted books are Things I Thought Were Lost by Clémentine Mélois, Redemption by Jean-Noël Orengo, Live Without Happiness and Not Deteriorate by Véronique Ovaldé, and But What Is This Blood on Jennifer's Sweater? by Lucie Rico. The announcement took place on September 21, 2026. Things I Thought Were Lost is a reflective novel that examines how memories are connected to objects left behind after a romantic relationship ends. The protagonist revisits items such as a mustard glass, plates, clothing, and jam jars, each holding a piece of the past. The statues of Les Deux Magots, which have stood outside the café since 1884, are said to have commented on the book, noting that memories are not only mental but also physically present in objects that remain. Redemption by Jean-Noël Orengo explores the life of Pierre Drieu la Rochelle, a controversial French writer known for his antisemitic writings. The book delves into the contradictions between his historical actions and personal relationships, particularly his treatment of his Jewish lover and her children during World War II. One of the statues noted that while the book is difficult to read, it is fitting for a literary café, as it provokes thought and discussion. Live Without Happiness and Not Deteriorate by Véronique Ovaldé is a fictionalized portrayal of the author's mother, focusing on themes of motherhood and the pursuit of joy amid life's challenges. The statue with the red hat is said to have seen a young mother reading the book on the café terrace while her child napped in a stroller, highlighting the book's connection to everyday life and emotional depth. But What Is This Blood on Jennifer's Sweater? by Lucie Rico opens with a keyboard malfunction that triggers the protagonist’s search for a childhood memory involving a bloodstain on a yellow sweater. The narrative involves reconstructing her grandfather's apartment and filling in the gaps of her memory. The statue in green is said to have appreciated the book, noting its café-like quality, with fragmented conversations and incomplete sentences mirroring the nature of human memory. The jury will announce the winner on October 5, 2026, at 12:30 PM. The prize includes 7,700 euros and an open table at the Deux Magots café for a year. The previous winner, Joseph Incardona, was honored for his book The World Is Tired in 2025.