Salomé Esper nominated for Prix Médicis 2026

Argentine author Salomé Esper has been named a candidate for the 2026 Prix Médicis for her debut novel, ‘La segunda venida de Hilda Bustamante’. Published by Sigilo in 2023, the work is part of the first selection in the foreign novel category, which includes 17 international titles alongside 18 French novels.

The novel follows the story of Hilda, a 79-year-old woman who dies and subsequently revives within her grave. After breaking out of her coffin, she returns home, causing significant upheaval among her loved ones, including her partner Álvaro and her adoptive granddaughter Amelia. The narrative explores themes of aging, death, and human connections through a supernatural lens.

The Prix Médicis, established in 1958, is a major French literary award known for recognizing innovative works. The shortlist will be further reduced on October 15, with the winner to be announced on November 2 in Paris. Esper joins a prestigious lineage of Spanish-language authors previously honored by the award, such as Julio Cortázar and Alejo Carpentier.