Afrique sur Seine: A New Generation of African Writers in Paris

Afrique sur Seine addresses the development since the 1950s of a new type of Francophone African novel created by first-generation black African authors living in France. Drawing parallels with other literatures like the beur and Antillean novels, Odile Cazenave examines how these authors, men and women, are parting from mainstream African literature by exploring more personal avenues while retaining a shared interest in the community of African emigrants. Cazenave deftly shows us how these writers maneuver between two cultures, languages, and spheres of being, and how they struggle to appeal to their French audience without being untrue to the complex history and reality they portray. Cazenave further discusses the stereotyping often promoted by French publishing houses to sell African-authored texts, and its impact. At a time when immigration is an important issue in France, and when post-colonial identity and culture is the object of still increasing interest and attention, Afrique sur Seine guides us through writing that surprises with its fresh insights into multiculturalism and integration.