Clément : rencontre avec Romain Lemire et Céline Rastello

As part of the days against sexist and sexual violence, held in partnership with the Mairie du 19ème, the Jacqueline Dreyfus-Weill library invites you to meet the artist and writer Romain Lemire, author of the novel ‘Clément’, winner of the 2026 Goncourt First Novel Prize.

’ François Morel It is the story of a happy childhood, that of Clément. It is a portrait of his loving, cultured family, with a father who teaches literature and a mother who works as a publisher, where everything seems to be going well.

It is a vivid, colourful chronicle of his friendships, loves, desires and dreams. It is France in the 1980s. But it is also the account of an ordinary crime, incest, and of a deafening silence.

From this rupture arises a sense of loneliness amid others, of doubt and drifting, which alters his perception of the world and his relationship to life.

Carried by a writing remarkable for its precision and frankness, which evolves as the narrator grows older, Clément draws you in, surprises, moves and, ultimately, illuminates. For despite the tragedy, come what may, it affirms the possibility of joy.

Céline Rastello, a journalist on the investigations desk at Le Nouvel Obs, has been reporting on sexist and sexual violence for more than ten years. She will talk with Romain Lemire about his work, which is as remarkable as it is necessary.

The event will be followed by a book sale and signing with the Librairie l'Atelier Jourdain. Registration required (registration opens late October 2026) Clément by Romain Lemire, Le Cherche-Midi, published 9 April 2026; Photo credit: DR