Students debate the first Choix Goncourt Canada at the University of Ottawa

Obviously, the French department at the University of Ottawa got involved in the initiative. Mawy Bouchard, professor and director of the department, worked with bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate students to create a club to read the 2023 finalists’ books and eventually choose the one to defend. Professor Claudia Bouliane oversaw the entire process.

The selection process required the abilities of an individual trained in literature: communication skills, critical thinking, openness, rigour and objectivity.

Claudia Bouliane was impressed by her students. “The participation from the members of our group wowed me. Their shared knowledge of literary concepts allowing for an objective analysis and the ease with which they debate amazed me. All of this on top of the amount of reading to do, which seemed to be taken for granted by everyone,” she said. The 2023 Prix Goncourt finalists were Humus (L’Observatoire) by Gaspard Koenig; Sarah, Susanne et l’écrivain (Gallimard) by Éric Reinhardt; Triste tigre (P.O.L) by Neige Sinno; and Veiller sur elle (L’Iconoclaste) by Jean-Baptiste Andrea (winner of the 2023 Goncourt).

For the first step in the selection process, each participating university created a book club made up of students. Each club analyzed the books chosen as finalists, discussed their unique elements, made arguments to foster analysis and reflection, chose a favourite title and then designated a member to defend the choice at a large meeting to take place in Ottawa.

The last step of the process was the meeting of the members representing the seven clubs. Alexandra Shaw defended the selection made by the University of Ottawa. “It’s inspiring to have discussions with other students who strive to deepen the world of literature. It was an honour to represent the University in such a prestigious event,” she said. The student jury chose Triste tigre (P.O.L) by Neige Sinno as the first Choix Goncourt Canada.

Given that the inaugural award was given out in Ottawa, it follows that our campus would offer an activity in literature to bring students together. These students had a chance to participate in a discussion with Lisanne Rheault-Leblanc, who is in charge of artistic direction and programming at the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais and the Maison des arts littéraires.

The inaugural prize was awarded May 2, 2024, at the Embassy of France in Canada. Mahir Guven, recipient of the 2017 Prix Goncourt for first novels and guest of honour for this first edition, helped with the deliberations. Neige Sinno, author of the first Choix Goncourt Canada, will be invited to participate in the next edition. The embassy undertakes the English translation of the selected book if it is not already being translated (which is the case for Triste tigre).

The co-operation and cultural action service of the Embassy of France played a huge role in the process. Notably, it covered all transportation and accommodation costs for students. 

Members of the University of Ottawa book club:

• Alexandra Shaw (bachelor’s student)
• Louna Renard (bachelor’s student), Mounira Khoris (master’s student)
• Myriam Legault-Beauregard (doctorate student)
• Audrey Sigouin (bachelor’s student)
• Lucie Laby (bachelor’s student)
• Kariane Pommier (master’s student)
• Mawy Bouchard (professor, director)

Participating universities:

• University of Ottawa
• Queen’s University (Kingston)
• University of Calgary
• University of Alberta
• University of British Columbia
• University of New Brunswick
• Toronto Metropolitan University