Renowned author Maryse Condé, born in Guadeloupe, known for her powerful narratives exploring the legacies of slavery and colonialism in Africa and the Caribbean, has passed away at the age of 90.
One of the eminent voices in the French-speaking literary world, Condé’s notable works included “Segu” (1984) and “I, Tituba: Black Witch of Salem” (1986), alongside plays and non-fiction.
In 2018, she made history as the inaugural and sole recipient of the New Academy Prize in Literature, established in response to the Nobel Prize in Literature scandal. Judges lauded her ability to vividly depict the impacts of colonialism and post-colonial turmoil with precision and potency.
Condé, inspired by Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” harbored aspirations of becoming a writer since childhood. However, she didn’t publish her debut novel, “Heremakhonon” (1976) until her forties. The book, exploring themes of disillusionment and longing, followed a Caribbean woman in Paris seeking her African roots, mirroring Condé’s own journey of self-discovery and awakening to the histories of colonialism and slavery.
Throughout her career, Condé fearlessly tackled controversial topics. “Segu” delved into the complexities of Mali’s history during the slave trade and Islam’s expansion, while “I, Tituba: Black Witch of Salem” shed light on a slave’s experience during the Salem witch trials.
Critics praised Condé’s profound insights into human nature, as evidenced in her works such as “Windward Heights,” a reimagining of “Wuthering Heights” set in Cuba and Guadeloupe. She also penned essays and autobiography, leaving an indelible mark on literature.
Condé’s personal life was marked by travels across Africa and Europe, including a tenure at Columbia University in New York. Despite facing prejudice and challenges, she remained steadfast in her conviction that merit transcends race.
Her legacy lives on through her impactful storytelling and unwavering advocacy for social justice. Maryse Condé’s contributions to literature have left an enduring imprint, inspiring readers worldwide.