Boualem Sansal moves to Grasset in reported million-euro deal

Algerian author Boualem Sansal has confirmed his move to the publishing house Grasset, a transfer reportedly worth a staggering one million euros. The move comes just days before the release of his new book, "La légende," which recounts his 12 months of imprisonment in Algeria. Sansal described his new situation as "super good, frankly."

The literary world has been shaken by this high-profile move, often referred to as a "literary mercato." Sansal explained his departure from his long-time publisher, Gallimard, was driven by financial necessity. After returning to France in late 2025, he was reportedly asked by Antoine Gallimard to vacate an apartment the publisher had provided. This, combined with his precarious financial situation, made him receptive to offers from competitors, including the Hachette Livre group, now influenced by billionaire Vincent Bolloré.

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I was surprised to learn that I was worth a million euros. It's ten times more than the 100,000 euros promised by Gallimard. I haven't received this million yet. I'd like to, because I need money badly.

The seven-figure advance offered by Hachette surprised Sansal, who stated, "I was surprised to learn that I was worth a million euros. It's ten times more than the 100,000 euros promised by Gallimard." He added, "I haven't received this million yet. I'd like to, because I need money badly."

However, Sansal's transfer has coincided with turmoil at Grasset. The announcement of Olivier Nora's departure, who had led the publishing house for over 25 years, ignited controversy. Subsequently, around 200 authors signed a petition announcing a boycott of Grasset in protest against its main shareholder's ideology. Sansal, however, expressed skepticism about this protest, questioning why authors did not object four years ago when Bolloré took control. "It's normal for a company to change bosses," he remarked.

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It's normal for a company to change bosses.