She is “sounded” and she doesn't pretend. Tuesday, in Paris, Maureen Desmailles became the eighth winner of the Friday Prize, the first national prize for adolescent literature.
The Hunther first book published last year by Thierry-Magnier, was rewarded by a jury of professionals. “For me, Friday is a gigantic prize. Being selected had already moved me a lot but having it… This thought seemed incongruous to me,” she reacts, “very happy”.
Blue thistle, also awarded
The 35-year-old young woman is also delighted for the publisher of the collection, one of whose titles was prohibited to minors by an order from the Ministry of the Interior, in July 2023. The Ardeur collection defends a literature courageous woman who dares to talk to adolescents about fantasy, desire, sexuality.
In The Huntit's about Max, who lives in the shadow of his big brother. But that summer, he meets Ellie, his new neighbor, and Cosme, her boyfriend. For them, Max is far from invisible. And Max is fascinated by the freedom and desire that sizzles within the couple.
“Sexuality is approached in a very subtle way…” underlines Raphaële Botte, member of the jury. The journalist also salutes the literary prowess of the author. “The reader does not know Max's gender. The author maintains this confusion with great finesse. »
This stylistic performance undoubtedly played a role when it was necessary to decide between the last titles in the running. “It’s really a literary choice,” confirms Simon Roguet, juror, bookseller in Laval (Mayenne).
Since 2023, a second Friday prize has been awarded by the “Culture Pass” jury, made up of seven young people aged 15 to 19. According to them, the debate was more difficult than that of their elders but they ended up reaching an agreement “without straining” around Blue Charcoal by Anne Loyer, published by D'Eux.
