Philippe Jaenada won the Prix Goncourt for L'Inconnue du quai de Javel in Paris on November 3. VnExpress, citing the Telegraph, reported his account of using AI three times during the writing process, including specialist research and a sentence intended to tease readers.
A novel built around a historical case
The book draws on the 1949 killing of model Louise Cansot beside the Seine. Jaenada is known for works based on investigations of past criminal cases.
In a France Inter interview relayed by VnExpress, he said one request to ChatGPT produced a sentence that he disclosed to the jury on November 3. The other uses involved a response about technical data and a request for specialist information.
Jaenada supports exploring the tool but argues that human memories, emotions and an individual view of the world remain central to literature. After receiving the prize, he expressed a wish to return to writing and research.
AI questions extend beyond the winning book
The award season also included controversy over another author, Thelyson Orelien, who denied allegations that AI had written his novel. He was removed from the longlist following those suspicions, according to VnExpress.
The jury subsequently used detection software on remaining novels, while publishers continue debating the effectiveness of such tools.
First awarded in 1903 under Edmond de Goncourt's will, the prize carries a symbolic €10 payment but can greatly expand readership.
Jaenada's account adds a specific example to the ongoing discussion of assistance, authorship and literary work.