« I came specially from Poitiers, with friends, to attend the award ceremony », confides a media librarian to us while waiting for the ceremony to begin. This enthusiasm is all the greater because this prize celebrates the readers, who themselves chose the winner.
A four-leaf clover for Ruth Gilligan
It has been 20 years since the Cognac European Literature Festival has rewarded a European writer for a work, written or translated into French, linked to the country in the festival's spotlight. This year, Ireland is in the spotlight, and displays a selection that is diverse to say the least.
4 works made up the list of finalists: The rapturesby Jan Carson (trans. Dominique Goy-Blanquet, Sabine Wespieser editor), The Broken Fieldsde Ruth Gilligan (trans. Elisabeth Richard Berthail, Seuil), Troublesby Louise Kennedy (trans. Cécile Leclère, Denoël) and Sometimes silence is a prayerby author Billy O'Callaghan (trans. Carine Chichereau, Christian Bourgois publisher).
2000 readers
To decide between the last works still in the running, 150 departmental media libraries from Charente, Vienne, Charente-Maritime and Deux-Sèvres took part in the game, allowing this 20th edition to exceed the bar of 2000 readers. .
« I have read all the books in the selection, but my favorite is undoubtedly Troublesby Louise Kennedy. And it's also the one that came first in my media library », confides the media librarian to us.
Translation problems…
« But I also come and above all to meet the authors “, she continues. A desire satisfied since the four finalists were present on stage, this Saturday, November 16, 2024, alongside their performers, to answer questions from the public.
What followed was an enriching exchange, which satisfied the curiosity of several readers. But this also made it possible to raise some issues, notably that of translation.
On this subject, Ruth Gilligan shares an anecdote: “ I have some knowledge of French. So, when I knew that my book was going to be translated, I suggested several titles, like “The Butcher's Blessing” or, as in Italy, “The Widow's Curse”… But I was kindly pointed out that these titles risked irritating vegans », she jokes with humor.
« It was ultimately “The Broken Fields” which was chosen, even if I don’t really understand the connection. I still really like this translation, and am honored to have been translated in France», she concludes.
“It’s a surprise!”
A remark that sparked bursts of laughter throughout the room. As in real life, Ruth Gilligan charmed the French public, and today won the title of 20th winner of the Readers' Prize.
« What a surprise! I admire the work of the authors here so much, I can't believe I won this award. Thank you, dear readers“, she confided, visibly moved, but still in excellent French.
She thus wins the sum of €2000, and is spoiled by Frapin Cognac, new patron of the prize. She will also benefit from a month of residency at the Irish Cultural Center in Paris. The opportunity for the author to continue to discover France in the arms of her husband, who came to witness her victory, with pride.
Find the list of French and French-speaking literary prizes
Image credits: ActuaLitté / CC-By-SA 2.0
FILE – Ireland places its cauldrons, its elves and its legends in Cognac
By Louella Boulland
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