Seydou says, “I evoke many themes in my books including illegal immigration, global warming, prostitution, pregnancies in schools, corruption…”
Stefania Miola, an acclaimed writer and poetess of Italy interviewed Seydou Koné for Sindh Courier.
What are the names of your books so far published?
My books so far published are – The Fishing, The Tear, The Sin, The Accursed Son and Silent War.
When did you start writing?
I got involved in writing at a very young age. In fact I started writing when I was twenty-one. I have been influenced by many writers including Amadou Koné, Ahmadou Kourouma, Olympe Bhèly Quenum, Nazi Boni, Charles Baudelaire, Beaumarchais, Guillaume Apolinaire, Camara Laye…
When was your passion for writing born?
My passion for writing was born in adolescence. I was greatly influenced by my uncle, the author Amadou Koné (Les frasques d’Ebinto).
My relationship with writing is passionate. I like to write after work, I also like to write, on weekends, by the sea.
What are the difficulties encountered by African writers?
African writers encounter many difficulties. We note the disinterest of Africans in reading; the books don’t sell in bookstores. There is also the lack of promotion of works on television, radio and newspapers…
Unlike Europe, we do not live on his writings in Africa.
Where do you get your inspiration for writing from?
To write, you have to read a lot. Besides, I draw my inspiration from active life, from television, newspapers, radio…
You are said to be a miserable writer. Explain to us your literary trend.
I am a miserable writer, that is to say an author who depicts with insistence on the miserable aspects of life in society. Miserabilism was successful in Spain in the 16th century and in France in the 17th century.
In addition to the misery that I denounce in my books, I evoke many themes including illegal immigration, global warming, prostitution, pregnancies in schools, corruption…
Is Ivorian literature known internationally?
Côte d’Ivoire has more than 700 writers. Unfortunately, Ivorian literature is not known abroad. In other words, few Ivorian writers are translated into foreign languages and sold around the world. We can cite well-known authors such as Ahmadou Kourouma, Amadou Koné, Véronique Tadjo, Seydou Koné, Jean Marie Adiaffi.
The writer is above all a reader, what genre do you prefer?
Personally, I love the novel; it’s a prose story that better evokes stories, situations…
Tell us about your last book?
My latest book Silent War which denounces illegal immigration, it evokes the dangers of illegal immigration.
Write a quote from your favorite writer.
I am going to write a quote from Charles Baudelaire, my favorite writer in the world. Baudelaire said: “I kneaded mud and made gold”.
Write a quote from one of your books.
In my famous book La Déchirure, I say: “the best thing a parent can offer their children is education”.
Your childhood dream is your adult awakening.
Of course, my childhood dream has become my adult dream. Indeed, as a teenager, I always wanted to become a writer sold in the world. I thank God.
Texture of the book – Silent War
Kadia, a young African who works in a company in the Ivory Coast, wants to go to Europe to find a better quality of life. Having borrowed money from her bank, Kadia will try to illegally immigrate to France. Will he be able to overcome obstacles, especially the desert and the sea, to get to France? Will he be able to reach French territory? Will Kadia be able to live permanently in France? Will he be able to live his dream, which is to work and live in France? Or will he be repatriated to Africa?
[author title=”Stefania Miola ” image=”https://sindhcourier.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Stefania-Miola-Italy-Sindh-Courier.jpg”]Stefania Miola is an eminent Poetess, Art Critic and Journalist from Italy. Since 2015, her three books have been published – “One sky – the only true one”, “Violets in the Desert” and “The scent of the white rabbit”. All books are awarded nationally and internationally. Her several poems are present in anthologies of various publishing houses. Stefania Miola had been writing for Sindh Courier.[/author]
