Chapter 8. Maryse Condé and the Alternative Nobel Prize of 2018

Abstract

Inspired by the methodological framework ofhistoire croisée, this paper examines the bibliomigrancy of the French Caribbean author Maryse Condé. To this end, four major causal series of events leading up to her nomination and selection for the 2018 Alternative Nobel Prize in Literature are analyzed. The first causal series of events consists of the translation bibliomigrancy of French Caribbean fiction to Sweden over the past 40 years. The second causal series of events briefly covers the authorship of Maryse Condé and her reception in Sweden. The third causal series follows the effects and repercussions of the cancellation of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2018, as well as the particular consequences related to the reorganization of the Royal Swedish Academy. The fourth causal series of events entails the foundation of the “New Academy” and the Alternative Nobel Prize in Literature. Closing remarks discuss Maryse Condé’s chances of being awarded the regular Nobel Prize in Literature.