November 3, 2021, return to tradition for the Goncourt, again announced face-to-face from the famous Drouant restaurant in Paris. The winner is called Mohamed Mbougar Sarr and he is rewarded for his fourth book, The most secret memory of men, published by Philippe Rey and Jimsaan. His young age – 31 years old – and his origin are underlined. The Senegalese-born author is the first writer from sub-Saharan Africa to be honored with France’s most prestigious literary prize
The most secret memory of men is inspired by the fate of a Malian writer Yambo Ouologuem, acclaimed by French critics in the late 60s before falling out of favor following accusations of plagiarism. It is a prodigious novel, at the same time erudite, sensual and funny, which takes the reader through time and continents. This impressive fresco is also a deep reflection on the power of literature, the relationship between France and Africa. Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, who has scoured almost all possible literary festivals in France in recent months, accepts having become a symbol in spite of himself. “I prefer to claim a singularity as a writer. However, as a symbol – because in a sense, I am one too – I can be useful to a certain community, an example, a model for a young generation that does not has perhaps never seen at this stage, in these spheres, a young African. If it can inspire them, give them confidence, give them a feeling of greater legitimacy, of believing in themselves, why not?
“I know symbols are important but you always have to be careful that the symbol doesn’t override the reason you became a symbol.”
Mohamed Mbougar Sarron franceinfo
Born in 1990, son of a doctor from Diourbel, in the center of Senegal, the Goncourt proves to be an excellent student and avid reader. He joined the elite sector of boys in his country, the military prytaneum of Saint-Louis-du-Senegal. Many professions come to mind, doctor, footballer, soldier, journalist, lawyer, teacher… And at the time of higher education, this gifted man chooses another elite sector, the literary preparatory classes in France, in a high school in Compiègne near Paris, before studying at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales.
His research focused on the great voice of African literature and champion of Negritude, Léopold Sedar Senghor. But he did not finish his thesis, fiction prevailed, he devoted himself entirely to literature. He published his first book at the age of 24, then joined the publishing house Philippe Rey, known for his high standards, for his third and fourth books.
The post-Goncourt era was a whirlwind to which, it was not “prepare”. “It takes time to adapt, it’s a rhythm of life that changes completely. You have to prepare not to be at home for more than two days in a row. You start a life of travel, of displacements, these are hours of signatures, meetings throughout France. You have to manage it mentally and physically. You have to be ready to welcome a lot of people, faces that know you but that you don’t know, but that you must welcome as they welcome you.”
After his marathon of festivals, Mohamed Mbougar Sarr intends to catch up on his late hours of sleep. Readings, tour of France. Above all, do nothing.