After receiving stunning critical acclaim and Frances’ most prestigious literary award, the Goncourt Prize, Laurent Gaudé is poised to make his mark in America as well.

His novel The House of Scorta (published in France as Le Soleil des Scorta) releases this month. Epic in scope, The House of Scorta spans five generations in a small village in southern Italy and is laced with infamous crimes, forsaken loves, and lifelong secrets. It is reminiscent of the work of Gabriel García Márquez, whom Gaudé admires. “I read very little contemporary literature. I prefer . . . Márquez, Feodor Dostoyevsky, Joseph Conrad.”

The Prix Goncourt places Gaudé within a circle of literary luminaries such as Marcel Proust and Simone de Beauvoir. The prize is awarded to young, promising writers. Born in 1972, Gaudé has written five plays and two novels, achieving great success and acclaim throughout Europe. His works have been translated into 20 languages. His success can perhaps be attributed to his own advice for aspiring writers: “Be stubborn and obstinate.”

Prix Goncourt jury member Didier Decoin describes The House of Scorta as "a beautiful text which takes us on a dream-like journey in an Italy which I adore. There is something cinematographic about it which is very seductive." Inspiration came from close to home: Gaudé's Italian wife’s family story.

photo: Jerry BAUER / Opale            January 2006