Académie Goncourt removes "C'était ça ou mourir" from the selection

Reasons Given

The institution explains that this measure aims to preserve "the integrity of the Goncourt Prize." It highlights previous allegations of plagiarism by the author and analyses indicating that an artificial intelligence had largely contributed to the novel.

Debates and Support

Some voices rise against the decision, notably Pascal Bruckner, a member of the Goncourt Academy. He states that he contested the removal but regrets that his position was not taken into account. Other writers like Virginie Despentes defend Orélien and criticize the anonymous attacks.

Context of the Book

"C'était ça ou mourir" tells the journey of a Haitian professor forced to leave his country for Canada. The novel, published by Grasset in France, is a bestseller of the literary season and has won several awards.