Paris, September 03 (QNA) - Academie Goncourt has announced the first shortlist for the prestigious Goncourt Prize, featuring 15 novels competing for France’s most esteemed literary award.

Among the selected works are "Kolkhoz" by Emmanuel Carrere, "A Night in the Heart" by Natacha Appanah, "Where the Sky Recedes" by David Diop, "The Empty House" by Laurent Mauvignier, "The Collision" by Paul Gagnier, "Tressaillir" by Maria Pourchet, and "Tambora" by Helene Laurain.

The second shortlist is expected to be announced on October 7, ahead of the final list of four titles to be revealed on October 28. The winner will be officially announced on November 4.

Last year, French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud won the prize for his novel "Houris".

Founded in 1903, the Goncourt Prize is the most prestigious literary award in the French-speaking world and is dedicated to honoring outstanding works of fiction written in French. (QNA)