Nathacha Appanah Wins 2025 Goncourt des Lycéens for 'La Nuit au cœur' Highlighting Violence Against Women

Mauritian-born author Nathacha Appanah has secured the prestigious 2025 Goncourt des lycéens for her novel "La Nuit au cœur," an exploration of domestic violence through the intertwined stories of three women. The award, announced on November 27, came shortly after Appanah's earlier November win of the Femina prize for the same work.

Set against real-life tragedies, Appanah's narrative draws on the cases of Chahinez Daoud, murdered by her husband in Mérignac in 2021, and her cousin Emma, a femicide victim in Mauritius in 2000. Appanah also incorporates reflections on her own experience with a significantly older partner. The book casts a harsh light on male violence, resonating deeply with readers.

The Goncourt des lycéens is unique in its jury comprising nearly 2,000 high school students from 57 institutions across France who read and debated fourteen nominated books before selecting the winner. This year’s award ceremony took place in Rennes with student delegates engaging in lively discussions prior to formal voting. The event was notable for the presence of Emmanuel Macron and a jury of thirteen students at the Élysée Palace.

Appanah distinguished herself among finalists including Laurent Mauvignier, recipient of the main prix Goncourt for his multi-generational family saga "La Maison vide," as well as authors David Deneufgermain, Paul Gasnier, and David Thomas. As the sole female nominee in the Goncourt final selection, Appanah expressed both honor and joy, emphasizing the importance of addressing difficult social themes in literature and the sophistication of young readers who grapple with such issues.

"La Nuit au cœur" not only showcases Appanah’s storytelling prowess but also serves as a poignant societal commentary on violence against women. The Goncourt des lycéens, initiated in 1988 and supported by the Ministry of National Education and Fnac, aims to encourage a passion for contemporary literature among youth and succeeded in bringing attention to Appanah’s compelling work this year.