First West African Author Wins France's Prestigious Prix Goncourt (video)

Born in Dakar in 1990 to a family of doctors and of Syrian descent, Sarr graduated from the Saint-Louis Military School before moving to France in 2009 to study at the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences. From a young age, literature captivated him, becoming a core part of his identity.

“Of course, I didn’t fully understand what literature was back then. For me, it started with fairy tales shared by my grandmother. Later, as I began reading more, I discovered the great authors and wonderful books that shaped my personality, ideas, and perceptions. Literature became the lens through which I explored political, social, cultural, and existential questions.”

Sarr’s works often delve into themes of self-discovery, existential struggles, and loneliness. Books have been his companions on his journey from Senegal to Paris, transforming him from an avid reader into an acclaimed writer.

“Loneliness is an ontological condition, a part of being human. For migrants, that solitude can feel even more profound. But being alone is not inherently sad. It can be a source of joy, a chance to connect with others or with oneself. What I left behind in Senegal—my family, my childhood—is now lost. Similarly, those I left behind have lost me. This mutual absence defines the migrant experience, carrying the weight of abandonment while creating room for renewal and reinvention.”

Sarr also tackles pressing social issues like migration, cultural identity, and difference in his works. Winning the Goncourt, he says, is both a personal triumph and a moment of pride for West Africa.

Sarr also tackles pressing social issues like migration, cultural identity, and difference in his works. Winning the Goncourt, he says, is both a personal triumph and a moment of pride for West Africa.

“I am overjoyed to win the Goncourt. It’s incredible to see my book being translated into multiple languages and traveling the world. But I always remain grounded, remembering who I am and where I come from.”

For Sarr, his journey as a writer began with a love of reading.

“Before being a writer, I was, and will always be, a reader. And when I return home, I’ll bring my books with me and read them with the same pleasure as always.”

Sarr’s groundbreaking win for “The Most Secret Memory of Men” solidifies his place as a literary voice that transcends borders, exploring universal truths through the lens of his own unique experiences.