From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge. Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.
From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics. Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column? Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.
Who
This week, we focus on Guadeloupian author, critic, academic, and playwright Maryse Condé.
Condé was born on February 11, 1934, in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe and died on April 2, 2024 in Apt, France.
She was best known for writings on “the African diaspora that resulted from slavery and colonialism in the Caribbean.”
What
Some of Condé’s notable works include Ségou: les murailles de terre (Segu: The Earthen Wall), Moi, Tituba, Sorcière Noire de Salem (I, Tituba: Black Witch of Salem), Traversée de la mangrove (Crossing the Mangrove), and Le cœur à rire et à pleurer: souvenirs de mon enfance (Tales from the Heart: True Stories from My Childhood).
Where
Many of Condé’s works take place in various locations including various Caribbean nations, such as Guadeloupe and African countries, such as Mali.
When
These texts are set mainly in the 19 and 20th centuries.
Why
These works may be of interest to students who are interested in topics, such as history, including colonialism and slavery, African diasporic studies, as well as themes considering “the intersections of class, ethnicity, gender, origins, and race.”
How
AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth. Courses related to the works of Maryse Condé are available in a variety of disciplines, including those that may fit into your Degree Works. (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)
AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in GLST 308: Americas: An Introduction to Latin America and the Caribbean, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “present[s] a comprehensive picture of Latin America and the Caribbean.” (Although no prerequisites are required for this course, please note that it is temporarily closed.)
In addition, students may also consider FREN 363: Le roman français du XXe siècle, a senior-level, three-credit course, which introduces learners to the 20th century French novel. (Please note that this course requires FREN 362: Second Year University French or professor approval as a prerequisite.)
Finally, students may be interested in ENGL 433: Post-Colonial Literatures, a senior-level, three-credit course, which “compares the literatures in English of countries which have been colonized under the British Empire and which have subsequently achieved political and cultural autonomy: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, the West Indies, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.” (This course requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays as prerequisites. However, it is currently closed.) Happy reading!
