Description:

Le département de français et d’italien présente 
Écrire en pays occupé, A conversation with Haitian Writer 
LYONEL TROUILLOT

Lundi le 18 novembre, 12h00-1h30; Crowe Hall 1-132

Born in Port-au-Prince, where he still lives, Lyonel Trouillot is the award-winning author of eleven novels, two essays and a book of poetry. Literature professor, journalist, songwriter, cofounder of the journal Lakansyèl, Tèm et Langaj, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, he is also a member of the Collective of the journal Cahiers du Vendredi and director of its publications. His novel La belle amour humaine was shortlisted for the Prix Goncourt in 2011 and received the Grand Prix du Roman Métis (2011), the Geneva Book Fair Literary Prize (2012), and the Gitanjali Literary Prize (2012). That same year, he was awarded the Prix Wepler for his novel Yanvalou pour Charlie, and in 2013, he won the Prix Carbet de la Caraïbe for Parabole du failli. 

This conversation, led by Professor Doris Garraway, will be inspired principally by his 2016 novel, Kannjawou, which explores the complex realities and historical resonances of foreign occupation in Haiti—be it military, political, or “humanitarian.” This work illuminates, in particular, the tragic implications of occupation for the country’s ability to combat extreme social and economic inequality and foster a sense of collective solidarity. 

The interview and discussion will be held in French.

Presented by the Department of French and Italian, in partnership with the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago. For more information, please contact Phil Hoskins, or Doris Garraway.