L’archipel en moi, the third and final book by Nitish Monebhurrun, is a magnificent invitation to reflect on the link between religion and society in Mauritius. As usual, the Brazilian-based author – loyal to his country – draws on his own experience to offer a fascinating reflection. Dominique Bellier
“I was ten years old when I discovered that I was no longer Hindu. A little 95-page book that starts like this promises to keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the last word… With its pretty cover by Joëlle Rosalie Baya, who recently exhibited at Imaaya, L’archipel en moi not only recounts the adventures of a Mauritian teenager struggling with his religion, but above all the reflections that this choice has since brought about in him, on his country and on life in society.
Religion largely structures Mauritian society, and during his school years, for example, little Nitish had to stop learning Hindi, as this course conflicted with his decision to stop practicing Hinduism. He began with a prayer, and religious references were permanent. Family and social pressure also manifested itself in various ways, through arguments and sometimes disconcerting stratagems to get the child back on the “right” path.
Questioning his faith, Nitish detaches himself from the community he belongs to, which is closely associated with a religion, and constructs his own identity. In the meantime, the author has studied international law, which he teaches in Brasilia. Now a multilingual travel writer, in telling this story he transforms his experience into a tool for reflection on Mauritian identity and the art of living peacefully without religion… What kind of citizen does one become in Mauritius without the filter of religion?
