The Etranges Lectures cycle, presented by the Dordogne-Périgord Departmental Library and its partners, begins its 25th season. This cultural event invites readers to explore different literatures and languages through readings by professional actors, preceded by presentations of classic, modern, or contemporary works.
In parallel, the Readers' Prize, organized with 56 libraries in Dordogne, features five competing books. Nearly 500 people are expected to read and vote, with the winning book to be included in next year's program. Readers have until April 30th to cast their votes.
The season will kick off this autumn with a stop in Lebanon. Author and photographer Manal Salamé will present her book « Habibi Beyrouth », offering an intimate dive into family memories and the quest for identity. Three dates are scheduled: November 17th in Périgueux, November 18th in La Force, and November 19th in Saint-Cyprien.
In January, the journey moves to America with the 2026 Readers' Prize and the participation of Nicolas Richard, who wrote the postface for « L’oiseau Canadèche » by Jim Dodge. Three events are planned: January 26th in Périgueux, January 27th in Sarlat-la-Canéda, and January 28th in Coulounieix-Chamiers.
In March, the focus will be on Bulgaria with the novel « Caravane pour corbeaux » by Eminé Sadk, presented by its translator Marie Vrinat-Nikolov. Readings will take place on March 23rd in Périgueux, March 25th in Vergt, and March 26th in Thiviers.
The season will conclude in June in Brazil with « Charrue Tordue » by Itamar Vieira Junior, presented by translator Jean-Marie Blas de Roblès. Four events are scheduled: June 8th and 9th in Périgueux, June 10th in Tocane-Saint-Apre, and June 11th in Montferrand-du-Périgord.
The 2027 Readers' Prize will feature five competing books: « Junil » by Joan-Lluís Lluís (Catalonia-Spain), « Tigre ! Tigre ! » by Mochtar Lubis (Indonesia), « La rivière de Laura » by Vinogradova (Latvia), « Cairn » by Martin Baldysz (Norway), and « Le corbeau qui m’aimait » by Abdelaziz Baraka Sakin (Sudan).
