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Nicolas Sarkozy plans a memoir this autumn named Notes from a Cell, which recounts his time spent behind bars.

This news came just 11 days following the ex-leader was released as his appeal proceeds the court ruling on charges of unlawful coordination in a case to acquire election campaign funds linked to the government of former Libyan leader.

Prison Experience: Inner Thoughts

“In prison there is nothing to see, and activities are scarce,” he notes in an extract, indicating the book centers around his reflections while in solitary confinement rather than a broader observation of the overcrowded and crisis-hit correctional facilities in the country.

“Silence escapes me, which doesn’t exist in La Santé, where noise is constant sound,” he states. “The din is alas constant. Yet, similar to barren lands, one’s inner world is strengthened behind bars.”

Court Appearance: Recounting the Hardship

At his release request hearing, the former leader was present via screen from a room in prison, characterizing his incarceration as gruelling. He stated to the judge: “I want to pay tribute to all the prison staff, showing great humanity, and who helped make this nightmare bearable – since it’s deeply troubling.”

“It never crossed my mind that at 70 years of age, I would end up incarcerated. It’s an ordeal I must endure. I confess it’s hard, it’s very hard. It affects one all who experience it because it’s gruelling.”

First of Its Kind

He, the ex-head of state from 2007 to 2012, became the inaugural past president in the European Union and the initial post-WWII figure from France to serve time in prison.

Before entering jail he declared he intended to spend the period to compose an account.

Books in Prison

It is not certain whether he had time to read and critique the texts he brought with him: a life story of Jesus spanning two books plus the novel by Dumas The Count of Monte Cristo, in which a blameless person ends up incarcerated then breaks out to exact retribution.

Daily Reality

Sarkozy was held in solitary confinement due to safety concerns in a room roughly 100 square feet with his own shower and toilet at La Santé prison in Paris. Guards stayed in a neighbouring cell.

Reports indicated that he consumed just yogurt while inside because he feared meals provided may have been contaminated. Although he had access to prepare his own meals but he turned this down, according to reports. Not known is if he will detail what he ate in prison.

Lawyer’s Statements

His attorney, who visited his client every day throughout the jail term, told the release hearing he would be safer out of prison compared to inside. “He has faced threats against his life, listened to yells after dark and emergency responses in a neighbouring cell when a prisoner self-harmed.”

Case Background

Sarkozy went to prison on 21 October when a French court sentenced him to a half-decade term on conspiracy charges over a scheme to obtain campaign funds for his 2007 presidential race.

He disputes the charges challenging the decision, and another court case planned for the coming spring.