Les Comptoirs de l’Aubrac welcomed a group of passionate readers from the Argence cultural association which also hosts other cultural activities: painting and photo workshops, wood turning, reading, outings, meetings with personalities and the Aubrac Musical Meetings.
The purpose of this meeting was to award the Dimarç 2026 Prize. After “Les Guerriers de l’hiver”, by Olivier Norek, last year, the circle of readers this year chose “Lapiaz” by Maryse Vuillermet, published by Éditions du Rouergue.
Four other books were in the running: “Finistère”, by Anne Berest, “La Collision”, by Paul Gasnier, “La Mauvaise Joeuses”, by Victor Jestin and “Le Bel Obscur”, by Caroline Lamarche.
The jury made up of readers and the public who had read the five books, around thirty people, exchanged views and debated on the basis of criteria of composition, writing, subject, originality and attractiveness. At the end of the debates, the jury appreciated the book evoking the mountains, solitude, the arrival and the complicated welcome of newcomers, neophytes and bohemians.
More than a novel about rurality and the problematic transplanting of city dwellers into the mountains, it is a dark novel. Silences, desires and frustrations build tension that can only lead to an explosion and keep you in suspense. The spectators outside the circle of readers, seduced by the quality of the debate and by the warm atmosphere due to the diligent care of Amélie des Comptoirs de l’Aubrac, left well decided to resume reading contemporary works. Among the readers present, Élisabeth, “math girl living in the village” declared herself attracted by the debates and arguments, the opinions of readers expressed in complete freedom, independence and authenticity. “I was able to get a clear idea of the books in the running”. She will be present during the presentation of the Dimarç Prize to the winner.
