The Mystery of Henri Pick

On a windswept stretch of Breton coast lies a tiny library that saves rejected manuscripts from oblivion. An ambitious young editor stumbles on a novel she believes has real life in it, written by Henri Pick, a cook who died two years earlier and, according to his widow, never read a book or wrote anything but a shopping list. The discovery becomes a sensation and stirs a flood of questions about talent and luck. When the manuscript turns into a runaway bestseller, a skeptical literary critic named Jean Michel Rouche bands with Pick’s daughter Josephine to uncover the truth behind the author’s mysterious life and the book’s unlikely fame.

Directed by Rémi Bezançon, the film adapts David Foenkinos and Vanessa Portal's novel. A French drama with light comedy tones, it premiered in 2019, bringing Fabrice Luchini and Camille Cottin to the leads.

There are no widely reported major awards tied to this title, and it did not become a staple at the big ceremonies. Critics noted the performances and direction, but the film did not dominate the awards season.

The premise sparked conversations about authorship, fame, and the mystery surrounding literary success. It offers a witty reminder that a book can carry a life of its own, separate from the creator, provoking discussion about how stories circulate and who gets credit.

Critics praised the film for balancing humor with heart and for its sharp look at how art can outpace its maker. The tone blends sly wit with warmth as it questions truth, value, and the mythic weight of a bestseller.