Goncourts: Literary Hubs for Writers and Publishers
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Emmanuel Carrère Wins 2025 Prix Goncourt, France’s Most prestigious Literary Award
A Landmark Victory for Carrère and P.O.L Publishing
On November 3, 2025, Emmanuel Carrère was awarded the 2025 Prix goncourt for his novel Kolkhoze, published by P.O.L. This marks a notable moment in French literary history, recognizing Carrère’s unique blend of fiction and autobiography. The announcement, made at the Drouant auction house in Paris, culminated a highly anticipated selection process from the Académie Goncourt. Le Monde provided live coverage of the event.
Kolkhoze: A Deep Dive into Family History and Collective memory
Kolkhoze explores Carrère’s maternal family history, tracing their experiences through the tumultuous 20th century, notably focusing on the Soviet collectivization policies of the 1930s. The novel interweaves personal narrative with past research, examining the impact of ideology and trauma across generations. The new York Times describes the work as “a haunting meditation on memory, family, and the weight of history.”
A Competitive Field and the Académie Goncourt’s Deliberation
Carrère emerged as the winner from a shortlist of four finalists, including Faïza Guène, Jean-Baptiste Andrea, and Cécile Wajsbrot. The Académie Goncourt, comprised of ten prominent literary figures, engaged in several rounds of voting over dinner at the Drouant