Students Face Off Against Julia Deck for the France Culture Student Novel Prize

Meeting an award-winning novelist while exploring intimate and universal themes: a challenge taken on by students at the University of Montpellier. The S.C.R.I.B.E.S. association hosted a fascinating discussion with Julia Deck, a novelist nominated for the France Culture Student Novel Prize. Here’s a brief look back at the event.

On Tuesday, November 19, the Faculty of Sciences in Montpellier welcomed Julia Deck, author and winner of the Prix Médicis for *Ann d’Angleterre*. Selected for the France Culture Student Novel Prize, this powerful work was the focus of a public event moderated by four student jurors, three of whom are members of the S.C.R.I.B.E.S. association. Readings, interviews, and discussions punctuated an event where literature and personal reflection intertwined.

A Literary Initiative That Endures
For the past 12 years, the France Culture Student Novel Prize has invited students from all over France to choose their favorite novel from a selection of new releases. This prize, which has already honored authors such as Gaël Faye and Salma El Moumni, aims to bring literature closer to the younger generation. S.C.R.I.B.E.S—Salon de Création Récréative et d’Initiation Bienveillante à l’Écriture par les Scientifiques—is no stranger to hosting such events. In fact, in previous years, members of the association have welcomed Thomas Gunzig, Agnès Desarthe, and Claire Baglin as part of the prize. These exchanges were made possible thanks to the active involvement and constant support of Jean-Michel Marin—dean of the Faculty of Sciences. Always characterized by remarkable seriousness, these meetings allow students to explore the subtleties of the works in competition. This time, it is Julia Deck who is taking part.

An event rich in discussion
The event opened with a vibrant reading of an excerpt from the novel by Julia Deck herself, followed by an interview conducted by the jury members. Among the topics discussed—the question of autofiction, stylistic choices, the reader’s role in a novel, the writing process, family ties, and the role of health in our society—not a single one escaped our jurors’ attention. The discussion also included lighter moments, such as a timed quiz in which the author had to answer “yes” or “no” to a variety of questions; an excerpt from this segment is available on S.C.R.I.B.E.S.’s Instagram. The large audience also had the opportunity to ask questions, fostering an intimate and warm exchange in which Julia Deck sincerely shared her thoughts on writing and the role of investigation in her novels.

The Student Novel Prize continues to foster a dialogue between literature and young people—a challenge that Julia Deck and the students have met with flying colors. By hosting contemporary writers, S.C.R.I.B.E.S and the Faculty of Sciences at Montpellier reaffirm their goal: to offer students a space where science and literature intersect. These exchanges are never merely anecdotal, as Jean-Michel Marin, who attended the event, emphasized on several occasions.
While awaiting the final verdict, the members of S.C.R.I.B.E.S. continue their mission: to celebrate creativity in all its forms. Did you miss this event? Don’t worry—the association organizes weekly writing workshops open to all students at the University of Montpellier.

To follow S.C.R.I.B.E.S: Instagram @scribes_um
For more information about the award: Instagram @lesprixetudiantsf

Article written by Nafi Terrasse, a student in the MédiACCES master's program at the FdS