In 1999, Besson, a law graduate, was inspired to write his first novel, En l'absence des hommes while reading of accounts of ex-serviceman during the First World War.The novel, with its daring inclusion of Marcel Proust as a central character, won the Emmanuel-Roblès prize.Besson's second novel, Son Frère was shortlisted for the Prix Femina, and adapted for cinema by Patrice Chéreau in 2003.The film was well received and won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.