In short
Five novels are finalists for the 25th Prix du Roman Fnac, selected from the 30 titles of the French literary season unveiled in early July 2026: Ne cherche pas le chaos by Marion Brunet (Albin Michel), Ce qui se joue by Caroline Hinault (Éditions du Rouergue), Ici, maintenant by Tom Newlands (Éditions Métailié), C’était ça ou mourir by Thélyson Orélien (Grasset & Fasquelle) and Ce qui dort sous le camélia by Claudie O. Wetterwald (Éditions du Gros Caillou). The shortlist is drawn up by a jury of 400 Fnac booksellers and 400 member readers. The winner — successor to John Boyne, who took the 2025 prize for Les Éléments (JC Lattès) — will be announced on 21 September 2026.
Out of the 30 titles for the autumn literary season (rentrée littéraire) presented in early July, five books stand out for the grand final of this 25th edition.
The 5 Finalists in the Running for the 2026 Prix du Roman Fnac
This new edition highlights texts that explore profound themes. Whether dealing with the strength of resilience, the duty of remembrance, or the collapse of certainties, these novels question our contemporary society.
Here are the 5 finalist novels selected this year:
- Marion Brunet, Ne cherche pas le chaos (Albin Michel)
- Caroline Hinault, Ce qui se joue (Éditions du Rouergue)
- Tom Newlands, Ici, maintenant (Éditions Métailié)
- Thélyson Orélien, C’était ça ou mourir (Éditions Grasset & Fasquelle)
- Claudie O. Wetterwald, Ce qui dort sous le camélia (Éditions du Gros Caillou)
A Recommendation Award Driven by Our Booksellers and Customers
This selection reflects the passion of a hybrid jury composed of 400 Fnac booksellers and 400 member-readers. This unique co-recommendation model perfectly illustrates Fnac’s DNA: creating connections between creators and the public.
To support literary creation, these five works will benefit from dedicated promotion and support across all Fnac stores as well as on Fnac.com.
Winner Announcement on September 21
Who will succeed Irish author John Boyne, awarded during the 2025 edition for his novel Les éléments (JC Lattès)? The winner will be officially announced on September 21.
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