Eric Laurrent's Tenth Novel Wins Wepler-Fondation La Poste Prize

Eric Laurrent's tenth novel, 'Les Découvertes,' published by Ed. de Minuit, has been recognized by the Wepler-Fondation La Poste prize, an alternative jury known for its independence and focus on stylistically ambitious, unclassifiable works. The novel's narrator is a young boy profoundly disturbed by a reproduction of David's 'Les Sabines.' His burgeoning sexuality is influenced by figures such as Sylvia Kristel, Maureen O'Sullivan's body double, and a Penthouse playmate. Laurrent's prose is characterized by lexical richness requiring frequent dictionary use and grammatical exuberance, particularly in its use of the subjunctive mood. The story follows the boy's delayed sexual awakening, culminating in an encounter with Léa. The prize jury includes Marc-Émile Baronheid.