Philippe Besson Appointed President of Lire à Limoges 2026
LIMOGES, 19 February 2026 – The renowned French novelist, playwright, and screenwriter Philippe Besson has been officially named as the President of the upcoming edition of Lire à Limoges. The prestigious literary salon, one of the most significant book fairs in France, is scheduled to take place from 5 June to 7 June 2026.
A Major Literary Appointment
The city of Limoges announced the appointment on Wednesday morning, confirming that Besson will lead the 2026 festivities. With a career spanning over two decades and more than 23 novels to his name, Besson is a pillar of contemporary French literature. His works have been translated into over fifteen languages, with total sales approaching 1.7 million copies worldwide.
Besson’s presidency comes at a time of high creative output for the author. He is currently promoting his latest work, Une pension en Italie (A Guesthouse in Italy), a sensitive exploration of family secrets and the “coming out” of his maternal grandfather. The author is also scheduled for a public signing session this Friday, 20 February, at 17:30 at the La Wantzenau library.
Key Career Milestones and Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire, Charente |
| Total Novels | 23 |
| Notable Awards | Prix Emmanuel-Roblès (for In the Absence of Men) |
| Major Film Adaptation | Lie With Me (Arrête avec tes mensonges) |
| Recent Publication | Une pension en Italie |
Literary Style and Themes
Besson is frequently cited for his “autofiction” style, blending personal history with narrative prose. His 2017 bestseller, Lie With Me (Arrête avec tes mensonges), often described as the “French Brokeback Mountain,” solidified his international reputation. The novel, which recounts a clandestine teenage affair in 1984 rural France, was recently adapted into a feature film directed by Olivier Peyon.
Beyond his novels, Besson remains a versatile figure in French media. He contributes weekly columns regarding celebrity culture and current events, and his plays, such as the adaptation of Un garçon d’Italie directed by Mathieu Touzé, continue to be staged in Parisian theatres like Théâtre 14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Philippe Besson’s most famous book?
While his debut In the Absence of Men won several awards, Lie With Me (Arrête avec tes mensonges) is widely considered his most famous work internationally, particularly following its successful English translation and film adaptation.
When is the Lire à Limoges 2026 festival?
The festival will be held from 5 June to 7 June 2026, under the presidency of Philippe Besson.
Is Philippe Besson related to the filmmaker Luc Besson?
No. Despite sharing a surname and both being prominent in the French arts (Luc Besson is currently working on a Dracula adaptation), there is no direct familial relation between the author Philippe Besson and the director Luc Besson.