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The ex-president of France is preparing a book this autumn called A Prisoner’s Diary, chronicling the period spent in custody.

The announcement was made shortly following the former president left prison while he appeals the guilty verdict for illegal collaboration regarding a scheme to acquire presidential race money linked to the government of the late Libyan dictator.

Prison Experience: Solitary Musings

“Behind bars visibility is limited, and nothing to do,” he notes in one passage, suggesting the memoir centers around his musings while in solitary confinement rather than extensive analysis on the overcrowded and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“Quiet is absent, not present at the prison, where one hears a lot to hear,” he continues. “The din is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, inner life grows stronger in prison.”

Release Hearing: Sharing the Struggle

While appealing for release, Sarkozy had appeared via screen from inside the facility, describing his time inside as exhausting. He had told the court: “I must acknowledge those working in the jail, displaying remarkable compassion, easing this ordeal tolerable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“I didn’t expect that in my seventies, I’d be in prison. It’s an ordeal that has been imposed on me. I confess it’s hard, deeply straining. It leaves a mark on any prisoner due to its intensity.”

Historical Context

The former president, who led the nation between 2007 and 2012, set a precedent as past president in the European Union and the first postwar leader of France to be incarcerated.

Ahead of his incarceration he had said he would use his time for authoring a memoir.

Books in Prison

It is not certain if he found the opportunity to go through the three books he had in his cell: a biography of Jesus in two parts plus the novel by Dumas the classic tale, where an innocent man is imprisoned later flees to seek vengeance.

Daily Reality

The former leader remained in isolation for his own security in a room of about nine sq metres including private facilities at La Santé prison in the city. Security personnel were stationed in a neighbouring cell.

Sources mentioned that he had eaten only yoghurts during his stay due to concerns meals provided could have been tampered with. He had facilities to prepare his own meals but refused this, according to reports. It is uncertain if he will detail his dietary choices.

Defense Viewpoint

Sarkozy’s lawyer, who saw him regularly daily throughout the jail term, informed the court his safety would improve outside jail rather than in custody. “He received menacing messages, heard shouts at night and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Legal Proceedings

Sarkozy went to prison last month when a Paris court sentenced him to a half-decade term for illegal collaboration over a scheme to obtain election financing for his 2007 presidential race.

He denies wrongdoing and has appealed against the verdict, and a fresh trial set for the coming spring.