Boualem Sansal's 'La Légende' ignites controversy over Algeria, Gallimard, and political alliances

Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal released 'La Légende' on June 2, 2026, through Grasset, a Hachette subsidiary linked to conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré. The 240-page book recounts his 361-day detention in Algeria (November 16, 2024 – November 12, 2025) and his five-year prison sentence, from which he was later pardoned. Sansal criticizes the Algerian regime and France's diplomatic approach to his release, stating he would have preferred a 'rapport de force' even at the cost of dying in prison. The publication follows his departure from longtime publisher Gallimard, which he accuses of forcing him out of housing after his return to Paris. Sansal's move to Grasset contributed to the dismissal of CEO Olivier Nora and sparked a boycott by authors. He received a €1 million advance for the book. In 'La Légende,' Sansal lists 170 supporters and includes an annex targeting unnamed former friends he claims betrayed him. He also criticizes media outlets Le Monde, Libération, and Le Nouvel Obs for suggesting a shift to the far right, while acknowledging that the Rassemblement National has adopted some of his views on Islamism. The book is promoted heavily by Hachette, with features in Le Figaro Magazine and a special day on CNews. Sansal recently stated he feels 'super bien' at Grasset and plans to live in Belgium.