It's a literary prize that's still attracting as many contenders as ever. The Prix Médicis, which rewards a novel, story or collection of short stories by a little-known or unknown author, unveiled its 2024 prize list on November 6. Writer Julia Deck was honored for her work Ann d'Angleterre. The ceremony took place in the historic and literary setting of the restaurant La Méditerranée, on the Place de l'Odéon in Paris. Celebrated annually, the prize spotlights French literary talent and is a highlight of the cultural calendar.
Julia Deck 's award of the Prix Médicis this year highlights her novel Ann d'Angleterre, published by Editions du Seuil. This autobiographical book is inspired by her mother's life, and explores her family ties with great finesse. It also uncovers family secrets and a quest for truth, in a powerful and equally compelling portrait.
The Prix Médicis, while celebrating Julia Deck, also spotlighted other renowned authors who were in the running for this distinction. Among them, Thomas Clerc with Paris, musée du XXIᵉ siècle, Miguel Bonnefoy for Le rêve du jaguar, and Abdellah Taïa with Le Bastion des Larmes. These nominations demonstrate the diversity and richness of contemporary French-language literature. Last year, the Prix Médicis was awarded to Kevin Lambert for Que notre joie demeure, underlining the continuity of excellence in the choice of prizewinners.
At the same time, the Prix Médicis for foreign novels was awarded to Eduardo Halfon for Tarentule, and in the essay category, Reiner Stach was singled out for Kafka (tome 3), Les années de jeunesse. These awards reflect the Prix Médicis ' ongoing commitment to rewarding literary and intellectual diversity worldwide.
