Laurent Mauvignier Wins Prestigious Goncourt Prize for La Maison vide While Renaudot Goes to Adélaïde de Clermont-Tonnerre for Je voulais vivre
In a recent announcement that has captured the literary world’s attention, Laurent Mauvignier was awarded the prestigious Goncourt Prize for his novel *La Maison vide*. The announcement was made on November 4, 2025, at the celebrated Drouant restaurant in Paris, where Mauvignier received six votes in the first round, outpacing his closest competitor, Caroline Lamarche, who garnered four votes for her novel *Le bel obscur*.
Laurent Mauvignier: A Celebrated Author
Mauvignier, who is 58 years old, shared his joy upon receiving the award, stating that it was a significant achievement. His work draws from rich familial history, encapsulating themes from his childhood and generations of storytelling. This accolade marks a significant addition to his already impressive portfolio of approximately twenty works, many published by Éditions de Minuit.
A Deep Literary Impact
The Goncourt Prize is known as the first major literary award of the autumn season. This year, it recognizes the depth and literary power of Mauvignier’s writing. Philippe Claudel, president of the Académie Goncourt, praised *La Maison vide*, describing it as a fundamental novel with significant historical revisits from the 20th century.
Other Notable Awards
In addition to Mauvignier’s achievement, Adélaïde de Clermont-Tonnerre received the Renaudot Prize for her novel *Je voulais vivre*. This book reimagines the character of Milady from Alexandre Dumas’s works, offering readers a unique perspective on adventure. Clermont-Tonnerre expressed her deep emotional response to receiving the accolade, highlighting the novel’s spirited narrative.
Surprising Wins in the Renaudot Category
The Renaudot Prize for essay was awarded to Alfred de Montesquiou for *Le Crépuscule des hommes*. His book discusses the Nuremberg Trials and was notably absent from the original selections, adding an unexpected twist to this year’s awards.
Conclusion
Both the Goncourt and Renaudot Prizes highlight the vibrant literary culture in France and underscore the significance of storytelling in exploring human history and experience. The recognition of Laurent Mauvignier and Adélaïde de Clermont-Tonnerre celebrates their contributions to modern literature and encourages readers to delve into their thought-provoking narratives.
