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The ex-president of France will soon publish a memoir next month called A Prisoner’s Diary, detailing his time endured in jail.

The announcement came just 11 days following Sarkozy was released while he appeals the guilty verdict on charges of illegal collaboration connected to efforts to secure political financing linked to the government of former Libyan leader.

Time in Custody: Solitary Musings

“Inside jail there is nothing to see, with little to occupy time,” he reflects in an extract, indicating the book is more about his thoughts while in isolation rather than wider commentary on the overcrowded and crisis-hit jail system in France.

“Quiet is absent, which is missing in La Santé, where there is endless commotion,” he continues. “The racket persists relentlessly. Yet, similar to barren lands, inner life grows stronger in prison.”

Release Hearing: Recounting the Hardship

During his plea for freedom, the former leader was present by video link from inside the facility, depicting prison life as exhausting. He expressed in court: “I must acknowledge to all the prison staff, showing great humanity, easing this nightmare manageable – as it truly is one.”

“It never crossed my mind at this stage of life, I would end up incarcerated. It’s an ordeal I must endure. I admit it’s difficult, it’s very hard. It has an impact on any prisoner as it’s exhausting.”

Historical Context

Sarkozy, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, set a precedent as past president from the EU and the first leader since WWII of France to experience jail.

Ahead of his incarceration he had said he intended to spend the period to compose an account.

Books in Prison

It remains unclear did he manage to review and analyze the volumes he brought with him: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas the famous story, a plot where an innocent man is imprisoned then breaks out to take revenge.

Daily Reality

The former leader was held in solitary confinement to protect him in a space approximately nine square meters featuring a personal bathroom in the Paris jail in the city. Two bodyguards stayed in a neighbouring cell.

It was stated that he had eaten only yoghurts while inside worried that prison cuisine may have been contaminated. He had facilities to cook for himself but he turned this down, based on unnamed sources. Unclear remains whether Sarkozy will write about meals during incarceration.

Lawyer’s Statements

The legal representative, who visited his client each day throughout the jail term, told the release hearing his safety would improve out of prison than inside. “There were threats against his life, listened to yells during nighttime and the urgent intervention next door during an inmate’s self-injury.”

Legal Proceedings

He entered custody on 21 October following a French court gave him five years in prison for criminal conspiracy in connection with efforts to acquire campaign funds for his presidential bid.

He disputes the charges and has appealed against the verdict, and another court case is scheduled for the coming spring.