Goncourt Prize 2024: Finalists Announced in Bucharest
The anticipation for the 2024 Prix Goncourt has intensified as four finalists have emerged from a competitive field of sixteen authors. The announcement was made on October 22, 2024, during a ceremony held in Bucharest, coinciding with the centenary celebration of the French Institute in Romania. The finalists are Sandrine Collette for "Madelaine avant l'aube" (JC Lattès), Kamel Daoud for "Houris" (Gallimard), Gaël Faye for "Jacaranda" (Grasset), and Hélène Gaudy for "Archipels" (L'Olivier).
Among these, Sandrine Collette stands out as a favorite, with her novel "Madelaine avant l'aube" showcasing her evolution from crime fiction to broader literary acclaim. Gaël Faye's "Jacaranda" has also garnered significant attention, addressing the genocide of the Tutsis in Rwanda and achieving sales exceeding 100,000 copies. Kamel Daoud's "Houris" presents a poignant historical narrative, while Hélène Gaudy’s "Archipels" offers an intimate exploration of her father's life.
The competition remains fierce, especially with Kamel Daoud and Gaël Faye being considered the critics' favorites. The elimination of other contenders, such as Maylis de Kerangal and Philippe Jaenada, has heightened the stakes for the remaining authors.
Upcoming Announcement of the Winner
The winner of the 122nd Prix Goncourt will be revealed on November 4, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the traditional setting of the Parisian restaurant chez Drouant. This year's jury includes Philippe Claudel, the newly elected president, along with other esteemed members such as Camille Laurens and Didier Decoin. The deliberations promise to be intense, as juror Pierre Assouline noted, “It’s going to be bloody.” This sentiment reflects the high stakes involved, not only for the authors but also for their respective publishers, as the choice of winner could significantly impact their futures in the literary market.
