In short
Thélyson Orélien has won the 2026 Fnac Novel Prize for his debut novel, « C’était ça ou mourir » (Grasset). A poignant and incisive tale of exile and contemporary migration, the book chronicles a journey from Haiti to the U.S. border. The award was presented by singer Marguerite, this year’s ambassador, on the riverboat Les Jardins du Pont Neuf in Paris. The winner’s and finalists’ books will be available in all stores across the network and on Fnac.com throughout the fall.
Thélyson Orélien is the winner of the 2026 Fnac Novel Prize for his debut novel “C’était ça ou mourir,” published by Éditions Grasset. Awarded by a jury composed equally of 400 booksellers and 400 Fnac members, this prize honors a poignant story that sheds light on contemporary realities of migration.
A Memorable Journey into the Heart of Exile
In “C’était ça ou mourir,” Thélyson Orélien traces the journey of Jonas Dorléon, from his departure from Haiti to the U.S. border. Through his unique and incisive writing, the author explores the experience of being uprooted and the human stories of forced displacement. By honoring this work, Fnac is highlighting a major new voice in Francophone literature.
The Fnac Novel Prize: The Strength of the Fnac Network
Created in 2002, the Fnac Novel Prize is one of the first highlights of the fall literary season. Its shortlist, selected by 400 Fnac booksellers and 400 Fnac members, showcases talented writers while celebrating the diversity of contemporary literary creation, whether in French or in translation.
Through this award, Fnac reaffirms its role as a cultural ambassador and its ongoing support for the book industry. This commitment continues throughout the fall with the promotion of the winner and finalists across the entire Fnac network and on Fnac.com.
The Five Finalist Novels for the 2026 Edition
The jury for the Fnac Novel Prize had shortlisted five works from an initial selection of 30 titles:
- Thélyson Orélien, « C’était ça ou mourir » (Éditions Grasset & Fasquelle)
- Marion Brunet, « Ne cherche pas le chaos » (Éditions Albin Michel)
- Caroline Hinault, « Ce qui se joue » (Éditions du Rouergue)
- Tom Newlands, « Ici, maintenant » (Éditions Métailié)
- Claudie O. Wetterwald, « Ce qui dort sous le camélia » (Éditions du Gros Caillou)
An Awards Ceremony on the Seine
Thélyson Orélien received his award from singer Marguerite, ambassador for the 2026 Fnac Novel Prize, during a ceremony held on the houseboat Les Jardins du Pont Neuf in Paris.
Learn more about the Fnac Darty Group’s commitment to culture here.
