Nancy is welcoming a very special guest this weekend: the renowned philosopher and author Edgar Morin. At the proud age of 103, Morin leads as honorary president the 46th edition of the prestigious book festival Le Livre sur la Place, which starts on Friday, September 13th, and aims to bring together the literary elite of France and beyond over three days.
A “young” philosopher at an advanced age
Despite his age, Edgar Morin is as active as ever. This year, he published four books and thus remains a central figure in the French intellectual landscape. The festival director Sarah Polacci affectionately describes him as “a young man of 103 years.” Morin himself was initially surprised by the invitation to lead the event and joked that he did not know if he would still be alive in September. But that did not stop the organizing team from warmly inviting him – wherever he might be then…
A busy schedule for Morin
The festival program for the philosopher is well filled. On Friday evening, Morin is expected on the stage of the Nancy opera to answer questions from journalist Laure Adler. Additionally, actor Philippe Torreton will read passages from Morin’s novel L’année a perdu son printemps, which was published in June. An intimate moment that will highlight the literary depth and life wisdom of the philosopher.
On Saturday, Morin will also participate in the opening of the Bernard Pivot Literature Forum, which was established in honor of the journalist Bernard Pivot, who passed away in May. Pivot, who hosted the legendary literature program Apostrophes, was a formative figure in the world of literature in France and once served as president of the book festival in Nancy. For the festival team, it is an emotional moment to have Pivot’s daughters present – a tribute to a man who popularized literature in France.
The Favorites of the Prix Goncourt in Nancy
In addition to honoring Edgar Morin, the festival is also centered around the prestigious literary award Prix Goncourt, which will be presented this year on November 4. Six of the ten jury members, including jury president Philippe Claudel, are present in Nancy, which adds extra vitality to the literary competition.
Two authors are considered favorites this year: the Franco-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud and the Franco-Rwandan author Gaël Faye. Both will perform at the Nancy Opera House and present their works. Festival director Sarah Polacci is enthusiastic about these novels: “Kamel Daoud’s book touched me on so many levels – it is both political and poetic. And Gaël Faye, there is this unique voice that he has.”
A Literary Highlight in Nancy
The literature festival Le Livre sur la Place has long been an integral part of the cultural life in Nancy and attracts thousands of visitors every year. In 2023, 130,000 literature enthusiasts came to the city to meet the attending authors, listen to discussions, and get inspired by new books.
With Edgar Morin as honorary president, an exciting program, and a number of prominent authors, this year’s edition promises to be another great success. The festival ends on Sunday, September 15, 2024 – but the conversations and impressions it leaves behind will surely resonate for a long time.