Paris (France) (AFP) – Belgian writer Amélie Nothomb announced Monday, in a press release sent to AFP, that she was leaving her historic publisher, Albin Michel, to join Éditions Gallimard.
Published on: 09/11/2026 - 2:40 p.m. Modified on: 09/11/2026 - 2:44 p.m.
“I am joining Éditions Gallimard who do me the honor of welcoming me,” writes the author, one of the most read in France.
“The Parrot’s Adolescence”, released in August, “will be my last novel published by Éditions Albin Michel”, she adds.
Amélie Nothomb had until now not confirmed the information on her transfer which has been agitating the publishing world for several days, announced by certain media, including Le Parisien. Neither Albin Michel nor Gallimard have communicated on this matter.
The 60-year-old novelist has published 35 novels with Albin Michel since 1992, the year of release of her first novel, "Hygiène de l'assasin".
“After having entrusted 35 novels to Albin Michel, I announced to Antoine Gallimard (the CEO of Gallimard, Editor’s note) that I would publish the next 35 in his prestigious house,” she announced in the press release.
Albin Michel's departure "came at a time when Francis Esmenard, my editor, chose to take a step back", explains Amélie Nothomb, thanking him "for his trust, his wise advice, and his loyalty".
The author adds that she regrets "the turn taken by the new management of Éditions Albin Michel". “I no longer recognize myself in his values or his methods,” she writes.
She cites as “proof” the “dismissal of Florence Godfernaux, (her) talented press secretary and friend for 33 years”.
“Companionship with Albin Michel is now impossible, but I will not forget the teams who worked for my success,” says the author.
Despite the success of her novels, Amélie Nothomb never won the Prix Goncourt, the most prestigious French literary prize.
On the other hand, she was rewarded with the Grand Prix du roman of the Académie Française in 1999 and the Renaudot Prize in 2021.
Member of the Royal Academy of Literature of Belgium, Amélie Nothomb divides her time between Paris and Brussels, with a particular passion for Japan. His work has been translated into around forty languages.
© 2026 AFP
The content you are trying to access does not exist or is no longer available.
