History of Mauritian Literature
Mauritian literature exists in multiple languages reflecting the island’s linguistic diversity: French, English, Kreol Morisyen, and some other Indian languages such as Hindi and Bhojpuri. Some of the major themes that have been explored by Mauritian authors include exoticism, multiracialism, miscegenation, racial and social conflicts, and indianocéanisme. Recent literary works include post-modernism, post-structuralism, and “coolitude” — a concept developed by Khal Torabully.
After Mauritius gained independence in 1968, writers like Dev Virahsawmy worked to reactivate and legitimize Creole language, particularly in drama. While Kreol (or creole), most of the literature is written in French to gain wider readership.
The new generation of writers has expressed persistent concern with structure and global themes that extend beyond local issues.
The Le Prince Maurice Prize is a literary award hosted in Mauritius that celebrates “writers of the heart” and alternates annually between English-speaking and French-speaking writers.
The 50th anniversary of Mauritian independence in 2018 sparked increased international interest in post-independence Mauritian literature.
Mauritian literature has been significantly influenced by the country’s colonial history, including periods of Dutch, French, and British rule, as well as its multicultural demographic composition. However, Mauritian authors have been been able to garner fame worldwide and their popularity has been limited to local readers.
Notable Mauritian Authors
Malcolm de Chazal is considered one of the important Mauritian authors who contributed significantly to Mauritian literature. Some of his bestseller books include Sens-Plastique and Petrusmok.
Ananda Devi is another prominent Mauritian writer known for her exploration of Mauritian identity and social issues.
Dev Virahsawmy is Mauritius’s renowned playwright who writes exclusively in Morisyen (Mauritian Creole), helping to elevate the status of what was once considered a “patois.”
Raymond Chasle and Edouard Maunick are also considered important figures in Mauritian literature.
Lindsey Collen has been recognized for her ability to create a meeting of diverse imaginaries within Mauritius’s unique multicultural setting.
J.M.G. Le Clézio, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2008, holds dual French-Mauritian citizenship.
Younger writers who explore themes of ethnicity, superstition, and politics include Shenaz Patel, Natacha Appanah, Alain Gordon-Gentil, and Carl de Souza.
Among poets, some notable Mauritian poets include Hassam Wachill, Sedley Assone, Yusuf Kadel, and Umar Timol.
Famous Books by Mauritian Authors
While there are many books that have received great reviews, some of the good ones that I personally liked are listed here in this post:
- “Tales from Mauritius” (1979) is a notable work in Mauritian literature.
- “Humeirah” by Sabah Carrim (2012) tells the story of a placid woman learning to accept the silence and void that permeate her life amid the noise and clamour of her close-knit community.
- Works by J.M.G. Le Clézio include narratives set in desert environments, featuring characters like Nour, a young adolescent boy who migrates with his people, exploring themes of lost cultures.
- Mauritian literature often explores challenging social circumstances, with some books following characters who struggle with poverty and unfavorable conditions.
- Some Mauritian novels feature protagonists whose lives in the Indian Ocean are not privileged, depicting survival as a daily struggle.
- “Georges” stands out as a notable book in Mauritian literature, depicting life on the island.
- Many books by Mauritian authors explore themes of ethnic division, justice, and cultural identity.
In many countries, native writers always struggle to get the fame they deserve and thus, it’s important to encourage the younger generation to pickup local authors whenever they visit a local bookstore. Support local!