Mathieu Persan has been awarded the Prix Roman Graphique News for his graphic novel Le Passage, published by Hachette Pratique. The award recognizes his work for its portrayal of adolescent depression through "images, sensations and sounds" in a unique two-voice, two-color format. The jury praised the novel for its sensitive and innovative approach to a difficult subject, highlighting how it captures the emotional and psychological struggles of young people. Persan shared that he initially did not want to write the book but felt compelled to do so after witnessing the challenges faced by his daughter and other children dealing with depression. He described the award as a recognition of "children who fight in the shadows" and emphasized the need for society to take greater responsibility for their well-being.
Thélyson Orélien received the Prix Roman News for his novel C'était ça ou mourir, published by Grasset. The jury acknowledged the book's compelling narrative and its exploration of personal and societal issues. Orélien’s work was chosen from a range of submissions, reflecting the jury's appreciation for its depth and originality. In addition to the main awards, Élise Lespade received a special mention for her novel Paradisi Gloria, published by Éditions Le Cercle ouvert. This work had previously been recognized by the Prix Stanislas, and Lespade expressed "immense joy" at the acknowledgment, noting that the award was a reward for seven years of dedication to the project.
The jury for this year’s awards included a diverse group of literary and cultural figures, such as Véronique Nichanian, Isabelle Giordano, and David Barroux, among others. The selection committees were led by Marielle Gobron and Isabelle Rabineau, who served as president and general secretary, respectively. The awards were co-chaired by Jacques Terzian and Franck Jeantet, the general director of Publicisdrugstore, underscoring the collaborative nature of the event. The ceremony highlighted the importance of supporting and recognizing literary talent across different formats, from traditional novels to graphic storytelling.
Looking ahead, the Prix Roman News and Prix Roman Graphique News will continue to celebrate emerging and established voices in French literature. In 2025, Sorj Chalandon was awarded the Prix Roman News for his novel Le Livre de Kells, also published by Grasset. Meanwhile, Alfred received the Prix Roman Graphique News for his graphic novel Les Jardins invisibles, published by Delcourt. These selections reflect the ongoing commitment of the awards to promote diverse and impactful storytelling in French-language literature.
French Literary Awards Recognize Works on Mental Health and Stylistic Excellence
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