Michel Cardon is set to spend 40 years in prison, a sentence that has left him largely forgotten and without visits for many years. Journalist Fanny Magdelaine has written a book that tells the story of Cardon’s long and isolated incarceration, which is being published this Thursday. Her work brings attention to the plight of individuals serving extremely long sentences in France, often with little public recognition or support. Cardon’s case is one of many that highlight the increasing number of people imprisoned for life or for extended periods without the possibility of release. In France, the justice system allows for life sentences, sometimes with the possibility of parole after many years, but in some cases, prisoners may be held indefinitely. These sentences are typically reserved for the most severe crimes, such as murder or terrorism, where the court deems the individual a danger to society. Currently, according to recent data, 86 detainees in France are serving sentences of more than thirty years. Many of these individuals have been incarcerated for decades and may never be released, either because their sentences are life terms or because they are ineligible for parole. This number reflects a broader trend in France, where the use of long-term imprisonment has increased over the years, often in response to high-profile crimes or public pressure for justice. Fanny Magdelaine’s book aims to humanize these individuals, offering insight into their lives behind bars and the emotional toll of such long sentences. Through interviews and research, she provides a detailed account of Michel Cardon’s experience, shedding light on the isolation and lack of support that many long-term prisoners face. The publication of her book comes at a time when discussions about prison reform and the treatment of long-term detainees are gaining more attention in French society.