Texaco

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In this novel, Patrick Chamoiseau boldly reimagines history to reveal essential truths about Martinique. Through the eyes of Marie-Sophie Laborieux, a daughter of slaves, he spans 150 years, beginning with her father Esternome's birth on a sugar plantation in the early 19th century and culminating in the establishment of Texaco, a shanty town near Fort-de-France. The narrative unfolds with an urban planner's arrival, mistaken for Christ by the townspeople, before delving into Esternome's life, marked by his father's death, suspected witchcraft, and eventual freedom. Drawn away from the plantation by the allure of St. Pierre, he ultimately finds himself on the outskirts of Fort-de-France, which becomes the new "City" after St. Pierre's destruction by a volcanic eruption. As Marie-Sophie is born, the story progresses through two world wars, riots, famine, and political upheaval, highlighting the ongoing tension between "City," a metaphor for France, and the countryside, representing the collective consciousness of black Martinique. Chamoiseau's imaginative prose rivals the greats, weaving a rich tapestry of history and identity.