Swiss-Italian author wins top French literary prize
The Kremlin: the heart of the political machinations in da Empoli’s novel.
Keystone / Maxim Shipenkov
Giuliano da Empoli has won the French Academy’s prestigious Grand Prix du Roman for “Le Mage du Kremlin” (“The Wizard of the Kremlin”), a novel about the inner workings of Vladimir Putin’s regime.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/dos
Español
es
Un autor ítalo-suizo gana el principal premio literario francés
The novel, published in April this year, takes the form of a long monologue by a fictional spin doctor working for Putin, Vadim Baranov. Baranov is in turn based on real-life advisor Vladislav Surkov, a co-founder of the United Russia party in 2001.
Swiss-Italian da Empoli, who was born in Paris, was himself once a political advisor to former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. “Le Mage du Kremlin” is his first novel.
Workings of power
Speaking to the press on Thursday, da Empoli said the book was “really imbued with a certain form of French literature, which has long had its place in the French Academy, and which dissects power, which observes it”.
Da Empoli’s book is also one of four finalists in the running for the equally prestigious Prix Goncourt, the results of which are to be announced on November 3.
The last Swiss winner of the Grand Prix du Roman was Joël Dicker 10 years ago, for “The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair”. The award comes with prize pot of €10,000 (CHF9,900).
More
More
Bestselling Swiss author Joël Dicker tries his hand at self-publishing
This content was published on
Joël Dicker, who has enjoyed huge international success, has set up his own publishing firm. Other writers have turned to self-publishing online.
Legal changes coming into force in Switzerland on February 1
This content was published on
Preventive regulation of the wolf population, rules for the import of dog puppies and higher minimum wages in the hospitality industry. On February 1, changes to laws and ordinances as well as other innovations come into force in Switzerland. Here is an overview:
International hot air balloon festival claims the skies of canton Vaud
This content was published on
After a windy first day, the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) took off on Sunday. Dozens of hot-air balloons took to the skies over the Vaud Alps.
This content was published on
Switzerland is excluded by the US from the allied countries for unlimited access to chips required for artificial intelligence.
An award-winning documentary at the Solothurn Film Festival
This content was published on
Eleonora Camizzi's documentary "Bilder im Kopf" (Images in Mind) won the Prix Visioni at the Solothurn Film Festival on Saturday evening. The prize, worth 20,000 Swiss francs, is one of three major awards at the film festival.
Liberal Greens join launch of initiative on parental leave
This content was published on
The Liberal Greens (PVL) together with an alliance of representatives from economic, social and political circles are launching an initiative for an 18-week "family leave." This was decided today by delegates meeting in Thun (BE).
Palestinian solidarity demonstration draws 2,000 people in Geneva
This content was published on
About 2,200 people took to the streets in Geneva today to show solidarity with the Palestinian poopolo and to denounce Swiss policy in the Middle East. The demonstration had been called by the BDS ("boycott, désinvestissement et sanctions") organization.
The 13th edition of Art Genève takes over Palexpo from Thursday
This content was published on
The 13th edition of Art Genève takes place at Palexpo from Thursday to Sunday. A total of 81 international modern and contemporary art galleries will be exhibiting their works. Also on show: 22 institutional projects.
First day of balloon festival in Château d’Oex cancelled
This content was published on
The first day of the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) has been cancelled due to wind, organizers announced on Saturday. However, entertainment and captive flights will continue.
Swiss survey finds employee productivity rises with sense of belonging
This content was published on
A good team increases productivity. 81% of employees in Switzerland perform better when they feel a sense of community with their colleagues.
This content was published on
The 2019 Nobel Prize for Literature went to Austrian writer Peter Handke. One hundred years ago it was Swiss poet Carl Spitteler who won the award.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.