Laura Nicolae wins 2024 Prix Robert-Cliche for first novel Rue Escalei

Vanier College is delighted to announce that French teacher, Laura Nicolae, has been awarded the 2024 Prix Robert-Cliche for her novel, Rue Escalei, published by VLB Éditeur. The award, which is given annually to a first novel, was celebrated at a special event held on August 12th.

In Rue Escalei, Laura Nicolae paints a vivid picture of her native Romania during the communist era and reveals the resilience of close-knit communities where generosity manages to survive, like flowers that bloom in the cracks of broken concrete.

This year’s jury was composed of writer Caroline Dawson, Le Devoir journalist Anne-Frédérique Hébert-Dolbec, and Mike Vienneau from La librairie Monet.

Jury President Caroline Dawson stated: “The characters are so engaging that we feel a touch of heartache when we leave them. Rue Escalei is an important and evocative book whose cinematographic writing pleased the jury a great deal.”

Since 1979, the Prix Robert-Cliche has been awarded annually to a first novel submitted anonymously to a jury composed of three people from the literary world. In addition to having their novel published by VLB Éditeur, the winners receive a $10,000 bursary offered by Quebecor.

Congratulations to Laura Nicolae on publishing her first novel and winning the Prix Robert-Cliche.