Laurent Mauvignier Wins Goncourt Prize for “La maison vide”
Laurent Mauvignier has won the prestigious Goncourt Prize for his latest novel, “La maison vide,” published by Éditions de Minuit. This expansive 750-page family saga has been celebrated by the jury for its fundamental nature.
The announcement came on a Tuesday at Drouant, a well-known restaurant near the Opéra in Paris. Mauvignier expressed his joy, stating, “This is a huge reward because it is a book that comes from childhood and several generations.” The author, 58, received six votes in the first round, surpassing Belgian contender Caroline Lamarche, who secured four votes for “Le bel obscur,” as well as Emmanuel Carrère’s “Kolkhoze” and Nathacha Appanah’s “La nuit au cœur.”
About the Novel “La maison vide”
“La maison vide” is a significant work that narrates the generational changes in a fictional village of La Bassée, resembling the real town of Descartes. The story spans from the early 20th century and focuses on themes of family, memory, and loss.
One of the central characters is Marie-Ernestine, a talented young girl with dreams of becoming a musician. However, family obligations force her to marry Jules, a worker in the family sawmill, giving up her aspirations. Their daughter, Marguerite, born in 1913, becomes a focal point for the author’s exploration of family secrets and societal expectations.
Acknowledgments and Impact
- Philippe Claudel, president of the Goncourt Academy, praised Mauvignier, noting this award honors his substantial body of work.
- During the awarding ceremony, the jury members wore badges supporting Algerian-French author Boualem Sansal, currently imprisoned.
- The book’s sales are anticipated to surge, especially with the Goncourt Prize banner on the cover, following a trend where winners often exceed sales of 500,000 copies.
The literary market has faced challenges, with a 5.7% decline in sales reported in September compared to the same month in 2022. However, winning the Goncourt Prize typically offers a sales boost to newly awarded publications.
Future Outlook for Mauvignier
With over 20 books already published, mostly with Éditions de Minuit, Mauvignier’s recognition is well-deserved. His work continues to resonate, drawing attention to the complexities of familial relationships and the shadows that linger in personal histories.
In parallel, the Renaudot Prize was awarded on the same day to Adélaïde de Clermont-Tonnerre for “Je voulais vivre,” and to Alfred de Montesquiou for “Le crépuscule des hommes” in the essay category.
