CULTURE Literature

The Fnac Novel Prize unveils its 2026 selection

The Fnac Novel Prize unveils its 2026 selection
The Fnac Novel Prize unveils its 2026 selection

On July 10th, Fnac unveiled the list of thirty novels shortlisted for the 25th edition of its Fnac Novel Prize, chosen from over two hundred and fifty titles published during the fall literary season. Awarded by a jury of four hundred booksellers and four hundred member readers, this selection traditionally marks the start of the September literary season.

Established authors alongside debut novelists

Among the most anticipated authors are Amélie Nothomb, Sophie Divry, and Line Papin, whose new novels appear alongside works by first-time novelists in the selection. The jury must now choose between these thirty books, representing the diversity of French and translated publishing, within a tight timeframe before the winner is announced.

Other shortlisted titles include *Je suis né dans la tempête* by Jérôme Colin, also selected by the Cultura chain, and *Ne cherche pas le chaos* by Marion Brunet, a novel blending thriller, ecological fable, and social satire. The selection also includes translated works, such as *Les Porteuses d'eau* by American author Sasha Bonet, illustrating the prize's openness to foreign literature alongside Francophone voices.

A calendar that leads up to September

The finalists for this 25th edition will be announced on August 27, before the winner is revealed on September 21. The prize will succeed John Boyne, awarded in 2025 for The Elements, and follows in a history that notably crowned Jean-Baptiste Andréa in 2023 for Watching Over Her, before he went on to receive the Prix Goncourt.

Each novel in this selection will be featured prominently in all Fnac stores and on the retailer's website from this summer through the fall. Created in 2002, the Fnac Novel Prize celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and has established itself over time as a trend indicator followed by publishing professionals as well as readers.

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