Gaël Faye, a French-Rwandan rapper and author, was awarded the prestigious Prix Renaudot 2024 for his novel Jacaranda. The award marks a significant achievement for Faye, whose literary prowess was previously recognized with his debut novel, Petit Pays, published in 2016.
Jacaranda, Faye’s second novel, stood out in a competitive field, winning over other prominent writers, including Hemley Boum, Kamel Daoud, and Hubert Haddad.
Faye’s literary journey began with Petit Pays, a novel that garnered widespread acclaim and established him as a respected author. The book won the Prix Goncourt des lycéens and has been translated into more than 20 languages, selling over 1.4 million copies worldwide.
In Jacaranda, Faye tells the story of Milan, a young boy growing up in Versailles, France, whose life changes when he learns about the Rwandan genocide. Milan, the child of a Rwandan mother who has kept her past a secret, is confronted with scenes of the genocide broadcast on television. His mother, who has lived in Paris for over 20 years, never shared her story or homeland with him.
The novel follows Milan as he starts questioning his roots, pressing his family to uncover the truth about his Rwandan heritage. Through Milan’s journey, Jacaranda explores themes of identity, memory, and the impact of hidden histories.
Gaël Faye’s recent accolade with the Prix Renaudot adds to his growing reputation as a significant voice in contemporary Francophone literature.
