La Grande Librairie November 4 2026 France 5 guests and books, Digi Mart USA News (Paris): Thought in the face of obscurantism is expected to be the central theme of La Grande Librairie on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 9:05 p.m. on France 5.
Augustin Trapenard is reportedly set to welcome six guests, including Siri Hustvedt by video link from New York, the day after the U.S. midterm elections.
According to the announced program, the discussion will bring together literature, philosophy and neuroscience around a central question: how can thought and critical judgment be preserved in the face of obscurantism? The United States serves as a point of connection among several of the featured books, which take different approaches, including a memoir of mourning, a reflection on censorship, a novel and a defense of science.
Siri Hustvedt is expected to appear from New York to discuss Ghost Stories, published by Gallimard on May 14, 2026. The book explores her life with Paul Auster and the absence left by his death, combining memories, readings and writings on love and grief.
Laure Murat is scheduled to present Toutes les époques sont dégueulasses, published by Verdier in May 2025. Subtitled Ré(é)crire, sensibiliser, contextualiser, the essay examines controversies over the rewriting of works, including the effects of contextualization, economic stakes and the role of censorship in these debates.
Marc Levy is expected to present Les Évadées, published by Robert Laffont and Versilio. The novel follows twin sisters separated by life: Cécile, an Interpol investigator tracing a criminal organization in Southeast Asia, and Olivia, a French scientist working in the United States who faces power seeking to obstruct research.
The publisher confirms the novel was released in two parts, the second of which appeared on October 15, 2026.
Lionel Naccache is expected to discuss Habeas corpus, published by Odile Jacob on September 2, 2026. The neurologist uses fiction to extend his work on consciousness, with a story beginning aboard the International Space Station.
Frédéric Worms is expected to defend L’urgence la plus vitale, published by PUF on October 1, 2026, which links the defense of life, science and democracy, including end-of-life questions, conflicts and the relationship between basic research and contemporary crises.
Eva Bottega is also expected to appear to discuss Le ciel ici déborde, her first novel, published by Denoël on August 26, 2026. The story follows a young woman who reunites with Adam in Los Angeles and travels with him across parts of the United States, from California to New Orleans, as memories of a strict Catholic upbringing resurface.
Viewers can watch La Grande Librairie tonight at 9:05 p.m. on France 5, according to the official France Télévisions schedule, with Augustin Trapenard presenting.
Siri Hustvedt’s participation is planned by video link from New York, while the other five guests are announced in the studio. Available episodes and clips can be found on the official La Grande Librairie page on france.tv.
