On Wednesday June 1, the Prix Sagan was awarded in one of the salons of the Hôtel Lutétia. This young literary prize, created last year, is awarded to a work that follows in the footsteps of Françoise Sagan. The jury is chaired by Denis Paolo Westhoff, founder of the prize and son of Françoise Sagan. The members of the 2011 jury, some permanent and some rotating, are Adélaïde de Clermont-Tonnerre (winner of the 2010 prize), Olivia de Lamberterie, permanent member (Elle), Macha Makeieff, Delphine de Vigan (Lattès), Caroline Wassermann, Frederic Begbeider (Grasset), Guillaume Durand (France 2), Jean-Louis Ezine (Gallimard), Jean-Claude Lamy (La dépêche du midi), Patrick Poivre d’Arvor and Yves Simon.
The winner was deeply moved to receive the award. The award-winning book Un jardin sur le ventre is Gabrielle’s dialogue with her mother, Suzanne, who died at the age of 70. She recalls the years of humiliation, suffering and self-sacrifice her mother endured at the hands of a violent, authoritarian husband, who now mourns the loss of her.
In the room, a number of cocktail party regulars such as Massimo Gargia and Jean François Derec were present. Then it was time for the cocktail party, which was literally taken over by the hungry guests. Charming little verines and hot dishes concocted by the hotel’s chefs were served.
The prestigious Taittinger champagne house was associated with the event, serving its precious beverage to guests and offering a magnum to the winner. The Lutétia also offered a night in a suite at the hotel, and Louis Vuitton donated 5,000 euros.
I really must get into literature!
Un jardin sur le ventre, Fabienne Berthaud (JBZ et Cie)
Currently in bookstores
Julien Tissot
[email protected]
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
