Five novels selected for the 2026 literary season underwent a unique technical inspection, similar to how a vehicle would be checked for safety and functionality. According to the latest census, 461 novels were competing for the 2026 season, with 344 being originally written in French and 117 being translations. The inspection process, which usually involves 133 points for vehicles, was adapted to assess the structural and narrative elements of the novels, ensuring they meet certain standards for quality and coherence. Dream of a Sour Apple by Justine Arnal, published by Quidam, was found to have a "linearity of the device," meaning its structure was repetitive and potentially monotonous due to repeated scenes. The narrative was described as lacking momentum, with the story feeling like a loop of days and lives in a closed environment. The inspection concluded that a re-inspection was required by regulation, but this was formally refused by the inspector. Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti, translated by Brigitte Hébert and published by Hachette Romans, was noted for its use of many familiar storytelling elements, such as first love, reunions, and fake relationships. While the book was considered to have a high rate of clichés, it was still deemed compliant with the limits set by the standards for such novels. The Sea and Its Double by Julia Lepère, published by Éditions du Sous-sol, was criticized for its reduced clarity due to persistent fog-like descriptions. Memory gaps and uncertain identities made it difficult to follow the narrative. The inspection found the visibility of the story to be non-compliant, and the re-inspection was canceled because the inspector could not find the central focus of the book. Model Home by Rivers Solomon, translated by Francis Guévremont and published by Aux Forges de Vulcain, was described as having too many elements all active at once, making it hard to determine where to focus. The use of a haunted house was noted for giving shape to family traumas. The inspection found an unlocated anomaly, and the book was returned to the owner with a recommendation to move forward differently. The Station by Jakub Szamałek, translated by Kamil Barbarski and published by Métailié, was found to have a critical failure in watertightness, with an ammonia leak posing a danger to the crew aboard the International Space Station. However, the narrative was found to be watertight compliant, allowing the book to continue its journey without further issues.