"Just days after its launch, 'Prisoner's Diary' has sold 98,610 copies. An impressive number one spot", publisher Fayard shared today on social media platform X, referring to the 216-page book by former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.
The book, released on 10/12, recounts Sarkozy's daily difficulties during his three weeks in prison, including noise and poor quality food.
It has also garnered attention for conveying a former president's political message. Sarkozy reveals in the diary that he spoke with far-right leader Marine Le Pen, hinting at a potential alliance between the traditional right and Le Pen's anti-immigration party.
"The path to rebuilding the right can only happen with a spirit of deep unity, without exclusion or ostracism", he wrote.
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The cover of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy's diary at a Paris bookstore on 12/12. Photo: AFP |
The cover of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy's diary at a Paris bookstore on 12/12. Photo: AFP
In late September, the former French president was sentenced to 5 years in prison for attempting to illegally solicit funding from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2005 for his presidential campaign two years later.
He began his sentence at La Sante prison in Paris on 21/10, becoming the first former head of state in the European Union (EU) to be incarcerated. During a hearing in early November, he described his detention as a "nightmare", requesting release on bail while awaiting appeal. A judge later ruled to allow Sarkozy bail after 20 days in prison.
Sarkozy also faces convictions in two other cases: one for illegal campaign financing and another for corruption and influence peddling. He and his wife Carla Bruni may also face an additional trial on charges of bribing witnesses in the Libyan funding case.
Sarkozy is known as an influential politician within the French right, and is the author of numerous memoirs and books. His recent works include 'The Age of Battle' (2023), 'The Age of Storms' (2020), and 'Passion' (2019).
Thanh Tam (According to AFP, AP)
