Christian Giudicelli, a French novelist and literary critic, was born on June 27, 1942, and passed away on May 14, 2022, at the age of 79, due to cancer.
Giudicelli was a prominent figure in the French literary scene, with his seventh novel, Station balnéaire, winning the prestigious Prix Renaudot in 1986. He was also a member of the jury for the Prix Contrepoint, one of France's most respected literary awards.
Born in Nîmes, Giudicelli spent most of his life in Paris, where he was a regular contributor to various literary publications, including La Nouvelle Revue française, Combat, Cahiers des saisons, La Quinzaine littéraire, Le Figaro Magazine, and Écrivain magazine. He also appeared on literary programs on France Culture.
Giudicelli's writing style was characterized as intimate, sensitive, and melancholic, often drawing from his own experiences, travels, and friendships. However, despite his literary talents, his works were largely unknown, with his last book, published in 2019, selling only 180 copies.
Giudicelli's personal life was marked by a close friendship with writer Gabriel Matzneff, who was accused of pedophilia. Giudicelli agreed to hide incriminating letters and photographs for Matzneff, who was accused of having a romantic relationship with a 14-year-old girl. This controversy has led to criticism of Giudicelli's character and actions.
Throughout his life, Giudicelli remained committed to his craft, continuing to write and publish works until his death. Despite his relatively unknown status, he remained a respected figure in the French literary world, and his legacy continues to be felt today.
