Robert Merle

Robert Merle (1908-2004) was a French novelist born in Tébessa, French Algeria. His debut novel Week-end à Zuydcoote (1949), inspired by his WWII Dunkirk experiences, won the prestigious Prix Goncourt and was adapted into a film starring Jean-Paul Belmondo. He is best known for his 13-volume historical series Fortune de France (1977–2003), recreating 16th-17th century France, which sold millions and earned him acclaim as the "Alexandre Dumas of the 20th century." Other notable works include Malevil (1972) and Un animal doué de raison (1967), adapted as The Day of the Dolphin.