Benjamin Stock, 36, received the prestigious Flore literary prize for his first satirical novel Marc. This prize, created in 1994 by Frédéric Beigbeder and Carole Chrétiennot, rewards talented and daring young authors.
The Flore 2024 literary prize was awarded Thursday in Paris to Benjamin Stock for his first novel, Marca wacky critique of conspiracy theory based on the novels of bestselling French author Marc Levy, announced the jury. The winner won with 11 votes to one for Joy Majdalani, during the deliberations at the famous Café de Flore in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.
Benjamin Stock, aged 36, signs his first novel here after working in communications for companies in the ecological transition sector. Marcpublished by Rue Fromentin, follows the story of David, a Parisian start-up manager who discovers the existence of a secret community of Marc Levy readers. Throughout the pages, the protagonist develops a conspiracy theory according to which the popular novelist conceals communist messages in his plots and through the names of his characters.
Benjamin Stock’s writing, described as insolent and original by the jury, convinced the members of the Flore prize who seek to distinguish promising young authors.
The Prix de Flore was created in 1994 by the writer Frédéric Beigbeder and Carole Chrétiennot, a manager of the Café de Flore. The two founders have remained members of the jury since the creation of the prize, which distinguishes “promising young authors, with insolent and original talent”.
This prestigious award includes an endowment of 6,150 euros as well as a glass of Pouilly-fumé daily for a year, to be consumed at the Flore brasserie in a glass engraved with the name of the winner. Over the years, the Prix de Flore has revealed many literary talents.
By rewarding Marcthe jury salutes the audacity and creativity of Benjamin Stock who delivers a satirical and committed first novel, reflecting the concerns of current society in the face of the rise of conspiracy theories.
Marc is available from Rue Fromentin, in paperback format of 448 pages, at the price of 23 euros. This novel promises a reading that is both entertaining and reflective, inviting us to take a critical look at the phenomena of manipulation and disinformation that cross our time.
With this distinction, Benjamin Stock makes a remarkable entry into the French literary landscape and establishes himself as an author to follow. His first novel Marc demonstrates a sharp pen and a keen eye on the shortcomings of our society, suggesting a promising literary career for this talented young writer.
With AFP
