The TV presentation of Mohamed Mbougar Sarr's "The Most Secret Memory of Men" took place (video)

Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, who won the Goncourt French literary prize in 2021, is the first African author to receive this prestigious award. Samvel Gasparyan, the translator of the book, congratulated all readers on the establishment of the Goncourt National Jury in Armenia. "The fact that Goncourt has come to Armenia is an important event. The collaboration between Newmag and Goncourt is significant in the literary world."

Speaking about the Goncourt-awarded book, "The Most Secret Memory of Men", translator Samvel Gasparyan emphasized that through this novel, readers learn about the remarkable Senegalese writer and his compelling work.

"I immediately thought of him as 'the Marquez of Africa.' It is a very interesting and substantial book. All readers can find something that resonates with them in this work, as it encompasses love, Senegalese culture, the habits of the people, and the psychology of those who have left their homeland. Senegalese people who go to France are often cut off from their roots, but they cannot forget their past and homeland—just like us Armenians."

The book is also autobiographical and will appeal to readers who enjoy a variety of genres. The translator recommends it to writers as well. "Armenian writers should definitely read this book to learn how to write, construct a story, and create long, intricate sentences."

The editor of the book, Anna Bakhshyan, believes a talented young author has made his mark in world literature. He is the youngest writer to receive the Goncourt prize.

"This book is quite a significant event. At the age of 31, Sarr wrote a deep, large, and multi-layered work that can be considered a literary feat. This is the author's fourth book; in his previous works, he explored jihadism and colonialism. This book encapsulates all of Sarr's ideological thoughts and what he wishes to convey.

The book is a mixture of genres, skillfully and coherently woven together by the author. It contains autobiographical elements; Sarr is of Senegalese descent, and the author's search for identity is a central theme in the novel".

The editor also discussed the plot. The novel revolves around an author who disappeared in the 1930s, referred to as the "Black Rambo." The main character embarks on a search for him. "Through the search for this writer, lost under mysterious circumstances, a journey begins where different characters and stories intersect, leading the hero back to his roots.

The book also reflects on the lives of African and European peoples and the wounds of colonialism. This work blends several literary genres, including intellectual detective fiction, philosophy, political pamphlet, magical realism, and postmodernism. After finishing the novel, readers will be left with a lasting impression, pondering its themes for a long time. Mohamed Mbougar Sarr's novel, ‘The Most Secret Memory of Men’ is intended for the prepared, intellectual reader."

The book is available on the newmag.am website and in all bookstores.