Paul-Loup Sulitzer, a celebrated author and former businessman, passed away at 78 in Mauritius. Known for his political-financial thrillers, he gained fame with his debut novel “Money,” which sold millions. Sulitzer’s work often reflected his own life struggles, and he created the “financial western” genre. Despite controversies regarding ghostwriting, he maintained a significant cultural presence. Later, he shifted focus to international finance themes and personal writing, although health issues affected his literary output in recent years.
Paul-Loup Sulitzer: A Legacy Remembered
The renowned author and former businessman Paul-Loup Sulitzer passed away on Thursday at the age of 78 on the picturesque island of Mauritius, a place he had called home for several months. His daughter, Olivia Sulitzer, shared that he succumbed to a stroke in the hospital, having been admitted days earlier due to a fall.
In recent years, Sulitzer’s health had deteriorated, a stark contrast to the vibrant entrepreneur persona that had defined his career. His fame largely stemmed from his gripping political-financial thrillers. His journey began in 1980 with the release of his groundbreaking novel, “Money,” which marked the start of a prolific writing career. Initially recognized as a prominent financial consultant, Sulitzer’s debut novel was translated into 43 languages, selling 2.5 million copies and generating nearly 5 million euros in earnings.
Deconstructing Financial Narratives
The protagonist of his stories, Franz Cimballi, is a man stripped of his vast inheritance, embarking on a global adventure filled with challenges and triumphs while unraveling the intricacies of major financial operations. Sulitzer aimed to “decomplex money” through his writing, advocating for the freedom to pursue financial success. He expressed a desire to challenge the elitist views surrounding wealth, aspiring to be a modern-day Balzac who reflected the realities of his time. This ambition led to his recognition as the creator of the “financial western,” a unique genre blending finance with adventure.
His innovative marketing approach, known as the “Sulitzer system,” revolutionized book promotion. Throughout his literary career, he reinvested significant portions of his earnings into advertising through various media channels, aspiring to reach audiences akin to pop icons like Michael Jackson and Johnny Hallyday.
Franz Cimballi’s narrative mirrored Sulitzer’s own life, particularly the struggles he faced following his father’s death when he was just ten years old. Deprived of their inheritance, he and his family encountered financial hardships. At sixteen, Sulitzer left school to manage construction sites, later making a fortune in France selling novelty items. By the age of twenty-one, he had become the youngest CEO in the country, though literature had not yet captured his interest. He ventured into real estate, acquiring a luxurious villa in Saint-Tropez before establishing himself as a financial consultant globally.
Cimballi reappeared in several of Sulitzer’s novels, including “Cash,” “Fortune,” and “Duel in Dallas,” and even inspired a film in 1991. The character returned in 2010 with “Money 2” and “The Roller Chinese,” but public interest waned after allegations surfaced regarding his collaboration with ghostwriter Loup Durand. This revelation was publicly discussed by Bernard Pivot in 1987, which cast a shadow over Sulitzer’s reputation. Despite these claims, Sulitzer maintained that their partnership was one of mutual support rather than mere ghostwriting.
Despite the controversies, he found a unique recognition through Alain Souchon’s hit song “Foule sentimentale” in 1993, which mentioned him alongside Claudia Schiffer. Sulitzer acknowledged the impact of the song, which not only highlighted consumer culture but also provided him with significant publicity, further solidifying his place in popular culture.
Following the peak of his literary success, Sulitzer shifted his focus to portray the dynamics of international finance, including Soviet bankers in “Popov,” and explored the life of cosmetics mogul Helena Rubinstein in “Hannah.” He also authored essays and personal works, including “Sulitzer Diet,” detailing his journey of weight loss. However, as health issues and a costly divorce took their toll in the 2000s, his literary output began to decline. Yet, he continued to write, determined to overcome the financial struggles that had once plagued him.