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The ex-president of France is preparing a book in the coming weeks titled Notes from a Cell, which recounts his time spent behind bars.

The announcement came less than two weeks after the ex-leader was released as he contests the court ruling on charges of criminal conspiracy in a case to obtain presidential race money provided by the government of the late Libyan dictator.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“Behind bars there is nothing to see, and nothing to do,” he reflects in a preview, indicating the book is more about his thoughts from isolation rather than wider commentary on the strained and troubled French prison system.

“Silence escapes me, which is missing in La Santé, where one hears endless commotion,” he states. “The din unfortunately never stops. Yet, similar to barren lands, inner life grows stronger behind bars.”

Release Hearing: Recounting the Hardship

While appealing for release, he was present via screen from inside the facility, describing his time inside as draining. He stated to the judge: “I must acknowledge the correctional officers, displaying remarkable compassion, easing this difficult experience bearable – because it is a nightmare.”

“I never imagined that in my seventies, I would end up incarcerated. It’s a hardship that has been imposed on me. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It leaves a mark every inmate because it’s gruelling.”

Historical Context

He, who served as France’s president between 2007 and 2012, was the first past president in the European Union and the first postwar leader of France to serve time in prison.

Prior to imprisonment he declared he would use his time to compose an account.

Cell Library

It remains unclear if he found the opportunity to review and analyze the volumes he brought with him: a life story of Jesus spanning two books together with Dumas’s work The Count of Monte Cristo, a plot where a wrongfully accused individual is imprisoned but escapes to seek vengeance.

Daily Reality

The former leader remained in solitary confinement due to safety concerns in a room of about nine sq metres with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in the city. Guards occupied a neighbouring cell.

It was stated that he had eaten only yoghurts during his stay worried that any food may have been contaminated. He had facilities to prepare his own meals yet he declined, based on unnamed sources. Not known is if the memoir includes his dietary choices.

Lawyer’s Statements

His attorney, who visited his client daily throughout the jail term, stated during proceedings his safety would improve out of prison compared to inside. “He has faced death threats, has heard screaming at night and the urgent intervention next door during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Charges and Sentence

Sarkozy went to prison on 21 October following a Paris court sentenced him to a five-year sentence on conspiracy charges in connection with efforts to obtain campaign funds during his election campaign.

He maintains his innocence and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case set for the coming spring.