A Book-Journey Through Space and Time: From Paris to a Remote Senegalese Village (video)

The story begins in 1938 Paris, where the novel “The Labyrinth of Inhumanity” causes a sensation in the literary world. Shortly after its release, the enigmatic author, compared to Arthur Rimbaud, vanishes without a trace. Decades later, in the present day, the book resurfaces in the hands of a young Senegalese writer, Diegane Latyr Faye, who is captivated by its brilliance and embarks on a quest to uncover the mystery behind the author’s disappearance.

Mohamed Mbugar Sar, the novel's author, explains:

"The book is about loss—a lost book, a lost author. Each character seeks to uncover the meaning of the lost book and its significance to them. We don’t actually read the lost book; only fragments of it remain. Instead, we experience it through the lives and emotions of those who encounter it. This interplay between loss and discovery lies at the heart of the story."

Titled “The Most Secret Memory of Men”, the novel is an intellectual detective story, a tale of self-discovery and love, and simultaneously a philosophical essay, a memoir, and a political commentary.

Mohamed Mbugar Sar elaborates:

"Literature can indeed serve as a refuge, but it is also a deeply political space. After receiving the Prix Goncourt, I realized that literature has the power to influence society by fostering cultural dialogue and promoting transformative ideas."

Through its pages, Mohamed Mbugar Sar's novel becomes a profound philosophical meditation on creation, identity, and the intricate relationship between Africa and the West. It challenges readers to reflect on life’s choices, the burden of legacy, and the enduring power of art to connect and transform.