The Goncourt Academy has announced its first selection for the 2026 prize, including Thélyson Orélien. The Haitian writer is recognized for his debut novel, C'était ça ou mourir, published recently. Orélien, originally from Gonaïves, emigrated to Quebec after the 2010 earthquake. Before writing novels, he was a poet and essayist, having already published his work last spring.