The 2026 Brive Book Fair promises some wonderful encounters to mark its 44th edition.
In total, around 500 authors and illustrators will gather alongside Chairwoman Dominique Bona.
The star guests at the 2026 Book Fair
The City of Brive has selected leading figures from a wide range of literary genres. Together, these authors are actively involved in organising the event’s programme.
The special guest for children’s literature is Marie-Aude Murail
Marie-Aude Murail, born in Le Havre in 1954, has been a leading figure in French children’s literature for four decades. The author of around a hundred books, translated into 25 languages, she was awarded the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2022. Among her best-known works, which are often studied in schools, are *Oh, boy!*, *Simple*, *Miss Charity*, *Le Hollandais sans peine* and *Maïté Coiffure*, as well as successful series such as *Nils Hazard*, *Sauveur & Fils* and *Golem*.
During her visit to Brive, she will meet with primary and secondary school pupils. Visitors to the fair will also be able to attend an in-depth interview about her career, followed by an illustrated reading of *Sauveur & Fils* with the illustrator Quentin Zuttion.
The comic book guest of honour: Joann Sfar
Joann Sfar was born on 28 August 1971 in Nice. His career began with *La Fille du professeur* (René Goscinny Prize 1997) followed by *Donjon* (1998), before the triumph of *Le Chat du Rabbin* (Ecumenical Jury Prize 2003). A prolific scriptwriter, illustrator and novelist, he has also achieved recognition in the film industry with two César Awards: one for Best Debut Film in 2011 for *Gainsbourg, vie héroïque*, and one for Best Animated Film in 2012 for the adaptation of *Le Chat du Rabbin*.
His work explores existential and identity-related issues, as well as interfaith relations. His new children’s book, *Niglo and the Fox*, is due to be published in October; it is a retelling of the tale of *Tom Thumb*, set in 18th-century Eastern Europe, following a young Romani boy and a fox.
During his visit to the Book Fair, he will take part in an in-depth interview about his work, as well as a ‘drawn’ concert alongside Gypsy jazz musicians Frank Anastasio, Eric Slabiak and Steven Reinhardt.
The special guest for poetry: Béatrice Bonhomme
Following on from Hélène Dorion last year, this year’s guest of honour for poetry is Béatrice Bonhomme, poet, literary critic, lecturer at the Université Côte d’Azur and editor of the journal *Nu(e)*. Her work, which has received numerous accolades, explores the links between language, the body and life.
She will take part in a unique dialogue with the mathematician Cédric Villani, a Fields Medallist, in front of more than 400 pupils — an unexpected bridge between poetry and mathematics. The public will also be able to see her at L’Ouvroir for a dedicated day where music and the visual arts will take centre stage, echoing her work as a creator of artists’ books.
Must-see authors
The list of authors for the 2026 Book Fair is not yet complete, but the winners of the major autumn literary prizes, such as the Prix Gongourt, are honouring us with their presence.
The writers who have made their mark on the autumn literary season – and those acclaimed by the public – will be in attendance, including:
- Ananda DEVI, Baptiste BEAULIEU, Sonia DEVILLERS, Jérôme GARCIN, Philippe JAENADA, Kentin JARNO, Emma GREEN, Maud ANKAOUA, Philippe BESSON, Emily BLAINE, Charlotte CASIRAGHI, Antoine COMPAGNON, Virginie GRIMALDI, Romain LEMIRE, Mo MALO, James NOËL, Erik ORSENNA, Olivia RUIZ, Didier SANDRE (member of the Comédie-Française) and Christian SIGNOL.
French Academicians:
- Pending
Politicians
- To be confirmed
Other public figures (entertainment industry, media, etc.)
- Pierre GAGNAIRE,
- Jamy GOURMAUD,
- Pierre PERRET,
- Harry ROSELMACK,
- Nathalie SAINT-CRICQ
- Guillaume DE TONQUEDEC
... and many more to be revealed soon
Children’s and comic book authors
Children’s and comic book authors and illustrators will take centre stage during this major literary weekend for book signings, meet-and-greets and performances.
Comic book authors
- Florence CESTAC, Richard GUERINEAU
- Gaëlle GENILLER
- Boris GOLZIO
- Mayana ITOÏZ
... and many more to be announced shortly
Children’s and young adult authors
- Fred BERNARD
- Nadine BRUN-COSME
- Victor DIXEN
- Taï-Marc LE TANH
- Mathias MALZIEU
- Anne GOSCINNY
- Isabelle PANDAZOPOULOS
... and many more to be revealed soon
Where can you find the authors?
You’ve drawn up your list of favourite authors and now you want to know which days they’ll be there and at which stands? No need to get lost on the day! Just check the map below and the list of authors to find out where and when to meet them.
- Where can I find the authors?
Practical information
You can find the full list of authors attending the event, together with their biographical and bibliographical details, on the website: foiredulivredebrive.net.
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