Already widely acclaimed by critics and readers alike, Nathacha Appanah's novel *La nuit au cœur* continues to make its mark on the French literary scene. The author has just received the Gisèle Halimi Prize, an award that recognizes works highlighting women's struggles and freedom. This is further recognition for this remarkable book, published in 2025, which had already garnered several major awards.
A powerful novel at the heart of violence against women
In *La nuit au cœur* (Night at Heart), Nathacha Appanah offers a narrative built around three women's lives confronted with domestic violence. The novel interweaves her own testimony, that of her cousin, and that of Chahinez Daoud, a victim of femicide in 2021. This tragic event deeply affected public opinion and reignited debates on the protection of women in France.
The book, which has sold approximately 158,000 copies, has already received the Prix Femina, the Prix Goncourt des Lycéens, and the Prix Renaudot des Lycéens. This latest award confirms the resonance of this text, which intensely explores the mechanisms of control, fear, and resistance.
An award in tribute to a feminist struggle
Created in memory of Gisèle Halimi, lawyer and leading figure in feminism, this prize recognizes novels that address women's rights. It is awarded to a work of fiction in French that highlights their courage and their struggle for emancipation.
The prize, worth 3,000 euros, is awarded by a jury chaired by lawyer Samia Maktouf and composed of prominent figures from the cultural world. In honoring Nathacha Appanah, the jury recognizes a text that fully embodies this activist tradition, giving voice to women facing violence and questioning society's responses to these tragedies.
Community
Comments
Comments are open, but protected against spam. Initial posts and comments containing links undergo manual review.
Be the first to comment on this article.