Haitian Writer Thélyson Orélien Named to 2026 Prix Goncourt First Selection
The Haitian-Quebecois author is among sixteen writers retained for the prestigious French literary prize for his debut novel.
Haitian-Quebecois writer Thélyson Orélien is among the sixteen authors named in the first selection for the 2026 Prix Goncourt, announced Wednesday, September 2, according to Le Nouvelliste. The Académie Goncourt included Orélien for his first novel, "C'était ça ou mourir," published August 19 by éditions Grasset. Born in Gonaïves in 1988, Orélien left Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and settled in Quebec, where he has lived since, Le Nouvelliste reported. A poet and essayist before turning to the novel, he first published "C'était ça ou mourir" in the spring with the Quebec publisher Boréal, where the book made its mark. According to Le Nouvelliste, the novel is in contention for roughly a dozen literary prizes, including the Goncourt des Lycéens and the Renaudot. The Prix Goncourt is among the most prestigious honors in French-language literature. Le Nouvelliste's report is based on the Académie Goncourt's announcement of its initial 2026 shortlist.