Laurent Mauvignier Wins Prestigious Prix Goncourt for La Maison Vide
Laurent Mauvignier has been awarded the prestigious Prix Goncourt for his latest work, La Maison Vide, published by Éditions de Minuit. This significant literary accolade was announced on a Tuesday, recognizing Mauvignier’s expansive 750-page family saga. The jury described the novel as a “fundamental” piece of literature, highlighting its thematic depth and narrative prowess.
Celebration of Literary Achievement
Upon receiving the award, the 58-year-old author expressed profound joy, emphasizing the personal connection of the story to his own childhood and multiple generations. The ceremony took place at Café Drouant, a renowned venue near the Paris Opera, where ten jurors from the Académie Goncourt greeted him enthusiastically.
Voting and Competition
- Mauvignier won in a decisive first round with six votes.
- His closest competitor, Belgian author Caroline Lamarche, received four votes for Le bel obscur.
- Other finalists included Emmanuel Carrère’s Kolkhoze and Nathacha Appanah’s La nuit au cœur.
The Goncourt is considered the first major literary prize of the autumn season for Mauvignier, who has authored around twenty books, predominantly through Éditions de Minuit. Philippe Claudel, the president of the Académie Goncourt, remarked that the award celebrates an author with a substantial body of work. He noted that this year, Mauvignier provided not just a collection, but a foundational novel.
About La Maison Vide
La Maison Vide chronicles multiple generations, tracing familial stories from the early 20th century set in the fictional village of La Bassée, which resembles Mauvignier’s own hometown of Descartes. The narrative highlights the essential roles women played in familial structures, especially during challenging times.
One central figure is Marie-Ernestine, a gifted pianist whose dreams are thwarted by family obligations. Following her marriage to Jules, who succumbs in World War I, the story delves into her legacy, particularly her granddaughter Marguerite, who faces societal stigma during the Occupation.
Commercial Success and Impact
Since its release, La Maison Vide has emerged as one of the best-selling novels of the literary season, framing a positive trajectory for Éditions de Minuit amid a challenging publishing climate. The addition of the “Prix Goncourt” banner on its cover is expected to significantly boost sales, following trends seen in previous years where winning authors have sometimes sold over 500,000 copies. According to Livres Hebdo, the publishing sector reported a volume decline of 5.7% in September compared to the previous year, making Mauvignier’s success particularly noteworthy.
Other Award Winners
- Renaudot Prize awarded to Adélaïde de Clermont-Tonnerre for Je voulais vivre.
- Renaudot Essay Prize given to Alfred de Montesquiou for Le crépuscule des hommes.
