Gilles Perrault, a prominent figure in the literary realm of France, passed away at the age of 92, his family said on Thursday. Perrault, whose “Le Pull Over Rouge” novel sparked fervent debates on the subject of the death penalty, left an indelible mark on the world of literature.
“I can confirm that he died at 92 last night on August 3 from cardiac arrest”, a source in his family told AFP.
According to a family source quoted in a report, Perrault, born as Jacques Peyroles, breathed his last on August 3 due to cardiac arrest. Prior to his successful writing career, he pursued law and later transitioned into journalism and fiction, adopting the pen name Gilles Perrault.
Perrault’s demise marks the end of an era defined by his thought-provoking works that delved deep into the complexities of justice and punishment.
The famous “Le Pull-Over Rouge”
In 1978, Perrault published “Le Pull-Over Rouge” (The Red Sweater), a thought-provoking piece that raised significant doubts about the conviction of a man, Christian Ranucci. Ranucci had been executed by beheading two years prior for the abduction and murder of an eight-year-old girl in 1974. The novel gained immense traction, selling over a million copies and triggering fervent discussions surrounding the death penalty. France eventually heeded the call for change, abolishing capital punishment in 1981.
He spent years trying to get Ranucci’s case reopened, however, he failed. Still hoping for an eventful re-examination, in an interview with AFP in 2006, he said, “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.”
Perrault was also twice convicted of defamation of police over the case, once during an interview and then over material in another book on the case.
Champion of Justice:
His writing, characterised by a unique blend of eloquence and depth, triggered discussions that resonated not only within literary circles but also within the wider spectrum of societal discourse.
Another of Perrault’s acclaimed works emerged in 1990, titled “Notre Ami Le Roi” (Our Friend the King), critically shedding light on the three-decade-long reign of Morocco’s Hassan II.
Gilles Perrault’s demise marks the end of an era that was profoundly shaped by his literary contributions, challenging societal norms and inspiring critical conversations on justice and human rights.