Academie Francaise - Haiti Observer Blog

Haiti has grown in national pride with the election of Haitian-Canadian author, Dany Laferriere, to the Academie Francaise. President Martelly made the announcement of Laferriere's selection to the Academie public on December 12, 2013. It is a great honor for Haiti, Martelly said, that Laferriere who rose from Petit-Goâve to national prominence has now become part of an international community of renowned writers.

Prime Minster Lamothe also commented on Laferriere's selection as a reflection of the importance and immensity of his work, international reputation and contribution to literature

Laferriere, a sexagenarian, lives in Montreal and has written more than a dozen novels and as many essays. His 2009 autobiographical novel, L'enigme du retour, which recounted his return to Haiti after his father passed away, nabbed the distinguished Prix Medicis award. His first novel, Comment faire l'amour avec un negre sans se fatiguer, was published in 1985. He later wrote the screenplay adaptation for the film.

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