Angelo Rinaldi, a distinguished French writer, literary critic, and member of the Académie française, has passed away at the age of 84. The Académie française announced his death on Wednesday, May 7, in Paris, marking the end of a prolific career that spanned journalism, literary criticism, and novel writing. Rinaldi, who was elected to the Académie française in 2001, was known for his rigorous standards and uncompromising critiques of literature.

Born in Bastia on June 17, 1940, into a family of shepherds, Rinaldi left Corsica at the age of 20, rarely returning but never forgetting his Corsican roots. His career began in journalism, where he worked as a reporter and judicial columnist for newspapers such as Nice-Matin and Paris-Jour. He later transitioned to literary criticism, contributing to prestigious weekly publications including L'Express, Le Point, Le Nouvel Observateur, and Le Figaro littéraire.

Rinaldi's literary acclaim came early with his second novel, 'La Maison des Atlantes,' which won the Femina prize in 1971 when he was just 31 years old. The novel, a confessional narrative of a Corsican lawyer reflecting on his life, showcased Rinaldi's profound storytelling ability and deep connection to his heritage. His critical work was equally notable, characterized by a demanding approach to style that earned him a reputation for delivering harsh judgments on now-celebrated authors like Milan Kundera, Marguerite Duras, and Patrick Modiano.

Throughout his career, Rinaldi remained committed to the integrity of literary criticism, once stating, 'I have always written what I thought. I do not say that I was always right. You have to choose between your job or your career. If you write what will delight the publisher or the author, you make a career, but you do not do your job as a literary critic.' His legacy includes a rich collection of works, from novels to a recent theatrical piece in 2018, 'Laissez-moi vous aimer,' ensuring his influence on French literature and criticism will endure.