Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Maryse Condé at the Bibliothèque nationale de France on April 15, 2024. The event took place at the Richelieu site in Paris, where a portrait of the acclaimed Guadeloupean writer adorned the room. Family, friends, political and cultural figures, as well as representatives from religious communities, gathered to honor Condé, who passed away on April 2nd. Among the attendees were her husband and translator, Richard Philcox, as well as other notable figures such as Christian Baptiste, Amin Maalouf, Erik Orsenna, and Jean-Marc Ayrault, who had called for a national tribute to the writer.
The ceremony, lasting about an hour, focused on Maryse Condé’s literary legacy. Four readers took turns at the lectern, showcasing a selection of her works that spanned from her early novel “Hérémakhonon” in 1976 to her latest book “L’Evangile du nouveau monde” in 2021. Condé’s writings explored themes of colonization, the legacy of slavery, the experiences of black diasporas, as well as love and women’s issues, through various genres such as theater, autobiography, essays, and children’s literature. Her work connected Guadeloupe, Africa, Haiti, and Europe, reflecting a complex and nuanced understanding of identity and the global context.
President Macron, accompanied by the First Lady and members of the government including Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, and Minister of Education Nicole Belloubet, arrived at the event to pay his respects to Maryse Condé. The ceremony, held in the newly renovated Oval Room at the Richelieu site, was a somber and dignified affair, with attendees from various backgrounds coming together to celebrate the life and work of the influential writer. Condé’s impact transcended borders and languages, with her writing being read, taught, and translated worldwide.
The presence of political figures such as Christiane Taubira, Lilian Thuram, and George-Pau Langevin underscored the significance of Maryse Condé’s contributions to literature and social discourse. Her ability to bridge different cultures and perspectives through her writing was highlighted during the tribute, emphasizing the depth and breadth of her literary achievements. The event was a moment of reflection and remembrance, honoring Condé’s rich legacy and the impact she had on readers and thinkers around the world.
As the speakers read excerpts from Condé’s works, the audience was captivated by the power and resonance of her words. From her early explorations of identity and history to her later reflections on love, exile, and spirituality, Condé’s writing touched on universal themes that continue to inspire readers today. The tribute at the Bibliothèque nationale de France was a fitting tribute to a writer who pushed boundaries and challenged conventions, leaving behind a body of work that will endure for generations to come.
In conclusion, the tribute to Maryse Condé at the Bibliothèque nationale de France was a poignant and heartfelt celebration of a remarkable writer’s life and legacy. From the elegant surroundings of the Richelieu site to the diverse array of speakers and attendees, the event captured the essence of Condé’s work and the impact it has had on literature and society. As the ceremony drew to a close, the audience was left with a sense of gratitude for the profound insights and experiences that Maryse Condé had shared through her writing, inspiring future generations to continue her legacy of storytelling and cultural exchange.
