Nancy welcomes a very special guest this weekend: the well-known philosopher and author Edgar Morin. At a proud 103 years old, Morin leads as honorary president the 46th edition of the renowned book festival Le Livre sur la Place, which begins on Friday, September 13, and aims to bring together the literary elite of France and beyond for three days.
A “young” philosopher in advanced age
Despite his age, Edgar Morin is as active as ever. This year he published no less than four books and continues to be a central figure in the French intellectual scene. The festival director, Sarah Polacci, affectionately describes him as “a 103-year-old young man.” Morin himself was initially surprised by the request to lead the event and joked that he wasn’t sure if he would still be alive in September. But that did not prevent the organizing team from warmly inviting him—wherever he may be then…
A full agenda for Morin
The festival program for the philosopher is well filled. On Friday evening Morin will be awaited 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 vital wisdom of the philosopher.
On Saturday, Morin will also participate in the inauguration of the Bernard Pivot literary forum, created in honor of the journalist Bernard Pivot, who passed away in May. Pivot, who hosted the legendary literary program Apostrophes, was an influential figure in the world of literature in France and once presided over the Nancy book festival. For the festival team, it is an emotional moment to have the presence of Pivot’s daughters, a tribute to a man who popularized literature in France.
The Favorites of the Prix Goncourt in Nancy
In addition to the tribute to Edgar Morin, the festival is also dedicated to the prestigious literary prize Prix Goncourt, which will be awarded this year on November 4th. Six of the ten jury members, including jury president Philippe Claudel, will be present in Nancy, further enlivening 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. The festival director, Sarah Polacci, is enthusiastic about these novels: “Kamel Daoud’s book touched me on many levels; it is both political and poetic. And Gaël Faye has that unique voice he possesses.”
A Literary Highlight in Nancy
The literary festival Le Livre sur la Place is already a fixed part of cultural life in Nancy and attracts thousands of visitors each year. In 2023, 130,000 literature lovers came to the city to meet the present authors, listen to debates, and be inspired by new books.
With Edgar Morin as honorary president, an exciting program, and a series 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 will surely resonate for a long time.