Winner of the Prix Goncourt Armenian Selection Announced (Photos)

This historic event took place at Yerevan’s Charles restaurant, marking a significant moment in Armenia's literary landscape.

Before the announcement of the Goncourt winner, a dinner discussion was held, with participation from the organizers of the award ceremony and members of the jury.

With this decision, Armenia becomes the 39th country to join the Goncourt International Selection, officially becoming part of the tradition. Gaël Faye, a French writer, musician, and songwriter of Rwandan descent, is celebrated for his novel “Petit Pays”, which won several prestigious awards in 2016. Born in 1982 in Burundi, Faye witnessed the genocide of the 1990s, an experience that heavily influences his work. His literary focus often explores African history, identity, and the diaspora.

“Jacaranda” tells the story of love, the search for roots, and the discovery of identity. The novel follows the protagonist's return to Africa, where he confronts the complex realities of the past and present. The jacaranda tree, with its vibrant purple flowers, symbolizes rebirth and hope, serving as a metaphor within the novel.

Faye’s work is distinguished by its poetic language, intricate characters, and profound understanding of history. He skillfully intertwines personal and collective memories, creating a narrative that resonates deeply.

The Prix Goncourt is France's most prestigious literary award, given annually since 1903 to the best prose work written in French. The award ceremony, held every November 4 in Paris, is a significant cultural event.

The Goncourt International Selection was launched in 1998 in Poland and has since expanded to 39 countries worldwide. In each participating country, a local jury selects the winning book from the same list as the one in Paris.

At the initiative of the French Institute of Armenia and the French University in Armenia, Armenia joined this prestigious initiative. The program is supported by the University Agency of La Francophonie (AUF) and implemented in partnership with Newmag Publishing House.

During the event, Olivier Decottignies, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia, delivered a speech, expressing gratitude to the jury members, university students, and partners involved. He also emphasized the importance of Newmag Publishing House in bringing the Goncourt-winning work to Armenian readers, noting their significant role in fostering Francophonie through the Francofest festival.

“The first participation of Armenia in the Goncourt selection is a testament to the strong cultural ties between France and Armenia. Both countries have a rich literary heritage, and it is only fitting that such an important literary event be celebrated over a shared dinner.”

The official launch of the Goncourt selection in Armenia took place on October 12, 2024, during the Francofest festival. The event was graced by renowned French writer and philosopher Pascal Bruckner, as well as François Rosino, the chief delegate of the Goncourt Academy.

The Armenian jury, composed of 30 students from the French University of Armenia, Yerevan State University, and the French Departments of Bryusov State University, selected “Jacaranda” as the winner from a list of 8 books nominated by the Goncourt Academy.

Gaël Faye’s “Jacaranda” will be published in Armenian by Newmag, with the official book presentation scheduled for October 18, 2025, as part of the Francofest.

The Goncourt Armenian Selection will be held annually, strengthening the cultural ties between Armenia and France and introducing Armenian readers to some of the best contemporary French literature.