Hotel Exile by Jane Rogoyska
Winner of the 2026 American Library in Paris Book Award
Rogoyska’s compelling account of Paris under Nazi occupation, the lives of those forced into exile, and the legendary hotel at the centre of this story wins the 14th edition of the Book Award.
On 5 November, the American Library in Paris announced Hotel Exile: Paris in the Shadow of War by Jane Rogoyska as the winner of the 2026 Book Award, at a ceremony held at the very hotel at the centre of the story: the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris.
Rogoyska’s book traces the dramatic history of the legendary Parisian landmark between 1933 and 1945, from its beginnings as a meeting place for artists to its occupation by the German military intelligence service during World War II, and its subsequent role as a reception centre for survivors returning from concentration camps.
The jury, composed of last year’s laureate Sue Prideaux, Molly Ringwald, and Dan Jones, said: “The book is a tremendous piece of original research but scholarship never gets in the way of the human story: a story set in a real place, with real people shaped by the weight of history, demonstrating the courage of human belief in the enduring principle of goodness during the darkest days of adversity, and the resilience of the human spirit. We are very proud to have been given the opportunity to honour this wonderful book.”
Read more: Winner of the 2026 Book Award
The beautiful hand-bound copy of Hotel Exile, one of only two specially commissioned for the Book Award. One goes to the winner, the other is held in the Library’s special collection.
Jane Rogoyska with head of jury and last year’s winner, Sue Prideaux
Jane Rogoyska with the Library’s Executive Director, Kristina Vér Foley
