For fans of thrillers, dark novels and crime novels, this is a must-see in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon. Each year, this unique festival offers the opportunity to meet their favorite authors, discover new talents and immerse themselves in fascinating literary worlds.
“Beyond borders”, with this theme, the 2024 edition of the Crime Festival invites readers on an exciting literary journey where genres mingle and borders fade. Because even if more and more authors are giving them back letters of nobility, the detective novel, the noir novel and the thriller are genres that are still a little underestimated by the Parisian literary microcosm.
However, this in no way prevents authors — like the godmother of this edition, Sandrine Collette, or the heavyweight in bookstores, Olivier Norek — from making it into the prestigious selection of the Prix Goncourt. Even, for the first, among the circle of finalists for Madelaine before her time. The author herself can't believe it. “The final square, even my editor had not dreamed of it. It's a surprise and a gift at the same time“, she declared at the inauguration of the festival. Proof that even at Drouant, we recognize the literary qualities of this genre.
Gallmeister and Syros, two star publishers
On the publisher side, there will be two major guests. Gallmeister Editions, which have been introducing the French public to the richness and diversity of American literature since 2006. Specializing in noir novels, westerns and nature writing, their catalog offers a rigorous selection of works, mixing great classics and emerging talents. Pete Fromm, Elliott Ackerman and PierGiorgio Pulixi, all responded to come and meet their French readers.
As for the Syros editions, which are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, they have left their mark on a whole generation of young readers with their committed and innovative works, and continue to be a major player in children's literature with authors like the very first divisional commissioner female nominee in France, Danielle Thiery. If she is better known for her novels for adults, she is present this weekend in Villeneuve for her series intended for adolescents.
Two prizes for Marion Brunet
It is “proud and moved” that Marion Brunet received both the readers’ prize and the Lire à l’ombre prize for her latest novel Our weapons, published by Albin Michel. The first, awarded for the 19th time and eagerly awaited by the authors, is chosen by a jury following a call for applications. New, the “read in the shadow” prize is entrusted to a jury of readers detained at Pontet prison, allowing them to discover new talents in detective literature in an approach of inclusion.
Our weapons by Marion Brunet is the poignant story of the struggle of a group of young activists, idealistic and passionate, for a better world. Through the tumultuous love story of Mano and Axelle, Marion Brunet explores the themes of political commitment, friendship, revolt and disillusionment. The author tenderly recalls the writing workshops she led in prison with women prisoners and the moving encounters she had there. “We always have knots in our stomachs when we go out and leave them there“, she admits when she is presented with the prize.
Not to be missed this Sunday
Here are the round table conferences on the program for this last day.
10 h – Crossing borders: round table with Danü Danquigny, RJ Ellory and Olivier Truc, at the Gothic room: “The border is one of the great myths of the genre”.
11 h 15 – O enemy nature: round table with Franck Bouysse, Sandrine Collette and Pete Fromm at Tinel. “We say she is a mother and nurturer, but is nature the friend of human beings?”
14 h – Cold case and copycat: round table with Cécile Cabanac and Piergeogio Pulixi in the Gothic room.
14 h 30 – Young peril and young people in peril: round table with Ian Manook and Nicolas Leclerc at the 25 toises cellar. “Doomed generation or adolescence on the run, two visions of this period of life where their characters will be confronted with the worst.”
The entire program is on the event website.
