Lecture on “Pays sans Chapeau” by Prof. Arthur Mukenge: Exploring Autobiography, Autofiction and beyond
On April 10, 2025, a thought-provoking lecture was held at the School of Language Department, where Professor Arthur Mukenge delivered an insightful presentation on the book "Pays sans Chapeau" (translated as "A Country Without a Hat") by the renowned Haitian author Dany Laferrière. Laferrière, a significant figure in Francophone and French literature, is known for weaving themes of nostalgia, memory and societal challenges into his works.
In his presentation, Prof. Mukenge examined whether "Pays sans Chapeau" could be classified as an Autobiography or Autofiction. He carefully explained the differences between these two literary techniques. Autobiography, he noted, is a direct, factual recounting of an individual's life, while autofiction blends real-life experiences with fictional elements, blurring the line between truth and imagination.
Prof. Mukenge provided concrete examples from Laferrière’s book, demonstrating how the author skillfully incorporates both techniques. He highlighted moments where Laferrière’s personal memories and experiences are interwoven with fictionalised narratives, creating a complex and layered text that resists a single interpretation.
Concluding his presentation, Prof. Mukenge emphasised that literature often invites multiple interpretations. While the book presents elements of both autobiography and autofiction, it ultimately challenges readers to engage critically with the text. He encouraged researchers to approach such works with open minds and form conclusions based on their research, acknowledging that the book is ultimately open to individual interpretation regarding its categorisation as fiction or autobiography.
By Urielle Kayumba