What if poetry could still shake up reality? On October 28, 2025, the Prix Décembre 2025 was awarded to novelist and poet Laura Vazquez for her novel Les Forces (Éditions du Sous-Sol), praised by critics for the power of its writing. With a prize of €15,000 and supported by the Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, this literary prize is awarded each year to a unique work that escapes the mainstream circuits of distinction.
Created in 1989, the Prix Décembre is now one of the must-see events of the 2025 literary season, confirming Laura Vazquez's place among the major voices of contemporary literature. The winner was announced at the end of a final selection process that included three titles: Les Forces by Laura Vazquez, Laure by Kevin Orr (Seuil), and Remember Fessenheim by David Dufresne (Grasset).
Born in 1986 in Perpignan and living in Marseille, Laura Vazquez first published collections of poetry, then a play (Zéro, 2024) before moving on to novels with La semaine perpétuelle in 2021. Her new novel, Les Forces, has been described asan"existential ode" combining an initiatory narrative with poetic reflection: "When I write, I keep in mind, or rather in my body, the primitive function and power of action of writing and poetry," she confides on France Culture.
Her work has already received several awards: the Prix de la Vocation (2014), a special mention in the Prix Wepler for her first novel, and the Prix Goncourt de la poésie for her entire body of work in 2023.
Les Forces is presented as the story of a young narrator who "observes the world around her and realizes that, in the social order, everyone lies," says the author. She adds: "I don't write a text to make it pleasant, well-written, or to give pleasure to the reader."
The work subverts the conventions of the coming-of-age novel, transforming it into a poetic and political odyssey that alternates between tragedy and comedy, nature and introspection. Through her raw and intense writing, the author tackles anxiety, death, and humanity: a unique voice rooted in its time.
By choosing Les Forces, the Prix Décembre jury reaffirms its commitment to literary audacity and voices that escape the usual circuits of major awards. The previous winner was Abdellah Taïa for Le bastion des larmes (2024); Laura Vazquez follows in his footsteps.
For readers, this distinction could enhance the visibility of an already acclaimed novel and confirm the importance of poetic writing that transcends genre boundaries. Read it now!
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