I extend my warmest congratulations to Joël Dicker, who won the 25th Goncourt of high school students for «La vérité sur l'affaire Harry Quebert», already crowned in October with the Grand prix du roman of the Académie française.
I salute this talented and young Swiss author who has captivated jurors of different ages, skills and sensibilities, yet unanimous, able to vibrate to this magnificent and multi-faceted thriller.
I also salute this young and popular award, which reflects the taste of a generation and gives their say to some two thousand high school students across the country. Here is a prize born in Rennes, a truly decentralized prize that closes the literary award season in style.