A clutch of French literary prizes narrows their fall lists

French literary prizes are entering the next stage of their autumn cycle. On October 7, according to Livres Hebdo, the Jean Giono prize announced its second selection of eight novels, all written in French and chosen for the weight they give to imagination. The prize, worth 10,000 euros, will be awarded on November 10.

The same day, Livres Hebdo reported that the Premier Roman and Premier Roman étranger prizes unveiled their own second selections, five books in total across the two categories. Both prizes will be handed out on November 9 by a jury chaired by Charles Dantzig.

The prix André Malraux also moved forward, per Livres Hebdo, revealing a second selection split between a novel and an essay on art. Its two winners will be named on November 3, the anniversary of André Malraux's birth.

Meanwhile the prix Femina released its second selection on October 6, according to Bibliobs (Le Nouvel Obs): ten French novels and ten foreign novels remain in contention, alongside a first selection of essays announced separately.

None of the sources named the individual titles or authors still in the running, so this report cannot list them. Readers who keep a home library may want to watch for the full lists as each prize approaches its award date in November.