Delphine de Vigan Explores Digital Identity in New Novel ‘Je suis Romane Monnier’

PARIS, 24 February 2026 – The celebrated French novelist Delphine de Vigan has officially released her latest work, Je suis Romane Monnier, marking a significant return to the literary scene. Published by Gallimard, the novel delves into the profound and often unsettling relationship between individuals and their digital footprints, questioning what remains of our private selves in the age of the smartphone.

The Intimacy of the Smartphone

In Je suis Romane Monnier, De Vigan utilises a chance encounter—an accidental exchange of mobile phones—to launch an investigation into the “digital soul”. The narrative follows the consequences of an unknown man taking a woman’s phone, leading to a deep dive into the traces we leave behind. De Vigan, known for her “intimate” writing style, explores how Artificial Intelligence and digital data complicate our ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

During recent interviews in Paris, the author described the act of writing as a “combat sport” fought against oneself. She noted that five years after her previous major release, she felt compelled to address how smartphones have become repositories for our most guarded secrets and psychological depths.

Career Highlights and Key Works

Born in Paris in 1966, Delphine de Vigan established herself as a formidable voice in contemporary French literature after years of balancing her writing with a career at a public opinion firm. Her breakthrough came with the 2007 novel No et moi (No and Me), which tackled the subject of homelessness in Paris and earned the prestigious Prix des Libraires.

Her work frequently bridges the gap between fiction and autobiography, often referred to as “autofiction,” particularly in her critically acclaimed 2011 book Rien ne s’oppose à la nuit (Nothing Holds Back the Night), which explored her family’s history and her mother’s mental illness.

Key Information: Delphine de Vigan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the theme of Delphine de Vigan’s new book?

The new novel, Je suis Romane Monnier, focuses on digital intimacy. It examines how our smartphones act as mirrors to our souls and the ethical implications of accessing someone else’s digital life.

Which of her books are available in English?

Several of her major works have been translated into English, including No and Me, Nothing Holds Back the Night, Based on a True Story, and Loyalties.

Has Delphine de Vigan worked in cinema?

Yes, she is an accomplished screenwriter and director. She co-wrote You Will Be My Son (2011) and her novel Based on a True Story was adapted into a film directed by Roman Polanski in 2017.