On October 6, 2022, the Swedish Academy awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature to French author Annie Ernaux. Ernaux wins the prize “for the courage and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements and collective restraints of personal memory”. Annie Ernaux is a French writer and one of the most prominent figures in contemporary French literature. Born in 1940 in Normandy, Ernaux has published a wide range of works including memoirs, essays, and novels. Her unique style of writing, characterized by simplicity, raw emotion, and a deep sense of introspection, has earned her a reputation as a pioneering writer in the field of autofiction. Ernaux’s work is often centered around her own experiences and memories, and she writes with a deep sense of honesty and self-reflection. Her writing is also marked by a strong sense of social critique, as she explores themes such as class, gender, and the

“Paradise” by Abdulrazak Gurnah is a novel that tells the story of Yusuf, a young African boy who is sold by his father to pay off a debt and is thrust into the complex world of pre-colonial East Africa. The book follows Yusuf as he navigates the challenges of growing up and witnesses the corruption of African tradition by European colonialism. “Paradise” was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the Whitbread Award and was described by the Nobel Prize committee as Gurnah’s “breakthrough” work. The novel has been praised for its portrayal of the natural beauty of Africa and the impact of imperialism on the continent. For another book by a Nobel winning writer that we recommend, check The Family of Pascal Duerte by Camilo Jose Cela.

In “The Most Distant Memory of Men,” Diégane Latyr Faye, a young Senegalese writer, becomes interested in discovering the truth about the mysterious T.C. Elimane, the author of a legendary book published in 1938 called “The Maze of Inhumanity.” As Diégane investigates, he becomes part of a group of young African writers in Paris and grows close to two women, Siga and Aïda. The story follows Diégane’s journey as he confronts the impacts of colonialism and the holocaust and tries to uncover the truth at the center of the maze. This fascinating novel explores the theme of balancing the desire to write and the desire to live, as well as the relationship between Africa and the West. It is a celebration of literature and its enduring significance. Mohamed Mbougar Sarr at his best!