Honored Literature

The Nicosia Book Fest 2025 has the honor of hosting France as the guest country, highlighting its rich culture and timeless literary tradition. This tribute brings French poetry, literature, and the arts into focus, through a multidimensional program of events, presentations, and discussions.

In the literary pantheon of French letters stand out Victor Hugo, with the immortal works Les Misérables and Notre-Dame de Paris, which combined social reflection with masterful storytelling. Marcel Proust, with his masterpiece À la recherche du temps perdu, reshaped the reader’s consciousness by delving into memory and time. Gustave Flaubert, with Madame Bovary, became a benchmark for realistic style and linguistic precision.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was one of the most important French writers and pilots of the 20th century. His most famous work, The Little Prince, is a tender allegory about friendship, love, and the human essence. His writing blends poetry, adventure, and reflection, leaving a timeless imprint on French and world literature.

In modern times, Michel Houellebecq sparks dialogue with his sharp and often provocative view of society. Emmanuel Carrère “bridges” literature and journalism, while Mathias Énard bridges East and West with multicultural depth.

French culture is not confined to literature: it was the birthplace of revolution in cinema (Nouvelle Vague), modern art (Impressionism, painting, sculpture), and philosophical thought from the Enlightenment to contemporary postmodernism. From Voltaire and Rousseau to Sartre and Beauvoir, the French intellectual tradition shaped the European idea of human rights, freedom, and critical thinking.

As part of this year’s tribute, the festival offers innovative activities for children and adults that will showcase French culture and literature. Come and discover together the magical world of French cultural heritage!