Received Prix Médicis essai for "Secondhand Time".
On November 6, 2013, Svetlana Alexievich was honored with the Prix Médicis essai, one of France's prestigious literary awards, for her book "La Fin de l'homme rouge ou le temps du désenchantement," the French edition of "Secondhand Time." This recognition highlighted her mastery in blending journalism with narrative prose, documenting the collapse of the Soviet Union and its impact on human lives. Alexievich's work provided a rich tapestry of voices, capturing the melancholic transition from Soviet communism to capitalism, offering unparalleled insights into a transforming era.