Grand Prix du Roman Métis 2026 Announces 12-Book Shortlists
The juries for the Grand Prix du Roman Métis and its Readers' Prize have each selected 12 novels from an initial 30, moving closer to the December award
The juries for the Grand Prix du Roman Métis and the Prix du Roman Métis des Lecteurs have each narrowed their selections to 12 novels. According to Livres Hebdo, the panels met on September 1 to whittle down the initial list of 30 books for each award. The final winners for both prizes will be announced on December 1.
The companion Prix du Roman Métis des Lecteurs de la Ville de Saint-Denis, created in 2017, gives a voice to local readers. Its jury members are chosen by the city from among applicants who use the municipal media library and libraries.
The Shortlisted Titles
The two juries have produced overlapping but distinct shortlists. Three authors appear on both lists: Djaïli Amadou Amal, Souad Benkirane, and Laura Ulonati.
The Readers' Prize Selection
The jury for the readers' prize, composed of Saint-Denis residents, selected its own dozen contenders. Their list includes several titles not on the main grand prix list.
Student and High School Prizes
A separate jury has also named a shortlist of three novels for the Prix Roman Métis des Étudiants and the Prix Roman Métis des Lycéens. These awards for student and high school readers will choose from a tighter field. The three books in contention are Le creuset des sorciers by Paul Greveillac (Gallimard), Quatre jours sans ma mère by Ramsès Kéfi (Philippe Rey), and J'étais roi à Jérusalem by Laura Ulonati (Actes Sud).
The Path to the Prizes
The two main juries now have one month to deliberate on their respective shortlists. Their task is to select four finalists for each award before the ultimate winners are revealed in December. The prizes are organized by La Réunion des Livres in partnership with the City of Saint-Denis, the DAC de La Réunion, the Région Réunion, and the Sofia. They are open to publishers based in Réunion, the Indian Ocean region, mainland France, and the wider Francophone world.
Last year's Grand Prix du Roman Métis was awarded to Karim Kattan for L’Éden à l’aube, published by Elyzad. Nour Malowé won the 2025 Prix du Roman Métis des Lecteurs for Le Printemps reviendra, published by Récamier.
