The final list for Des racines et des mots 2026: the Exile Literature Prize has been revealed, with five novels chosen to compete for the prestigious award. The winner will be announced on Saturday, December 5, at the Jean Lévy library in Lille and will receive a prize of 1000 €. The five finalist novels are Si tu traverses les eaux by Justine Bo, published by Gallimard; Eclats de silence chez les Belov by Nina Kéhayan, published by Aube Editions; Esprit de sel by Guillaume Viry, published by Canoë Editions; Le mauvais rôle by Flore Montoyat, published by HarperCollins; and La bouche dans le sable by Kévin Thiévon, published by Le Bruit du Monde Editions. Des racines et des mots is awarded to a living writer, regardless of nationality, provided they reside or have resided within the European Union. The work must be a novel written or translated into French and published from January 1 of the year preceding the award. Books published at the author's expense are excluded. A writer cannot receive the award more than once. Beginning in December, the five works will be evaluated by a jury composed of individuals from various fields including literature, journalism, cinema, music, and academia. An associate of the "Les Amis de la Librairie Internationale V.O." association also participates in the vote. For this edition, the jury includes Françoise Objois, who presides, Danielle Bécu, Céline Walkowiak, Évelyne Picavet, and Berta Martin. The winner's name will be announced during the ceremony held at the Jean Lévy library in Lille. The prize is worth 1000 €. The publication dates and details for the finalist novels are as follows: Si tu traverses les eaux was published on 08/01/2026 by Gallimard Editions, with 152 pages and a price of 18,00 €; Eclats de silence chez les Belov was published on 11/04/2025 by Aube Editions, with 267 pages and a price of 22,90 €; Esprit de sel was published on 14/01/2026 by Canoë Editions, with 120 pages and a price of 16,00 €; Le mauvais rôle was published on 05/02/2025 by HarperCollins France, with 196 pages and a price of 19,90 €; and La bouche dans le sable was published on 21/08/2025 by Le Bruit du Monde, with 288 pages and a price of 20,00 €. The prize, which focuses on literature by writers with a connection to exile or displacement, aims to highlight diverse voices within the European literary landscape. The jury's decision will be based on the quality, originality, and thematic depth of the novels. The ceremony at the Jean Lévy library will include readings, discussions, and a formal announcement of the winner, marking the culmination of the selection process.