PARIS — It is one of the most widely-discussed books in France these past weeks: a vivid autobiographical account of childhood mistreatment and literary salvation by Yann Moix, an author who until recently was also known as a resident provocateur on one of the country’s most popular late-night talk shows.

Mr. Moix’s book, called “Orléans” — the town where he grew up and where, in his telling, he was physically and psychologically abused by his parents — was praised by critics when it was published in August. Some saw it as worthy of the shortlist for the Goncourt Prize, France’s top literary award.

Relatives of Mr. Moix accused him of fabricating or exaggerating details of the abuse, but that only gave “Orléans” the scandalous whiff of dirty laundry being aired in public. Critics debated whether the factual accuracy of the book had any bearing on its literary qualities, but many agreed that the writing was some of Mr. Moix’s best in years.

Then things took a much uglier turn.

Last week, the French news media uncovered vicious anti-Semitic drawings and texts that Mr. Moix had made in his youth. He denied having done them, then admitted responsibility, leading to a firestorm of criticism that forced him to apologize and stop promoting his book.