Claude Becky Ntahuga has published his novel "Le champ des rives," a work he describes as an autobiographical novel recounting his experiences during the tragic events of 1993 in Burundi. This significant publication marks a profound personal and literary endeavor for Ntahuga. He stated that he waited more than two decades to write the book, a period that allowed for personal maturation and the necessary emotional distance to approach such sensitive subject matter. The novel explores themes of identity and memory through the eyes of a child whose childhood was brutally interrupted by violence, offering a unique and deeply personal perspective on a key moment in Burundi's history. The book, titled "Le champ des rives," meticulously retraces the journey of a child directly confronted with the tragic events of 1993, presenting a narrative that is both an exploration of historical trauma and a testament to resilience.
Ntahuga explained his decision to frame "Le champ des rives" as a novel rather than a strict autobiography, citing the difficulty of recalling exact facts and dialogues after more than twenty years. "The novel allows one to tell a deeply true story while embracing the necessary part of reconstruction," he said. This approach provided him with the creative freedom to convey the emotional truth of his experiences without being constrained by the strictures of factual reporting. He described the book as tracing the journey of a child, himself, confronted with the 1993 events, an account of an "enfance brutalement interrompue par la violence." The author added that he carried the book within him for over two decades, needing time to mature personally and overcome fears about revisiting past wounds for himself and his family. This long gestation period shows the profound impact these events had on him and the careful consideration he gave to sharing his story.
A Personal and Therapeutic Endeavor
"Le champ des rives" is described as an autobiographical novel, a format Claude Becky Ntahuga chose to navigate the complexities of memory and trauma. Ntahuga explained that the novel provided a framework to convey a deeply true narrative while allowing for the necessary reconstruction of events after more than two decades. This deliberate choice enabled him to process the 1993 events in Burundi, which brutally interrupted his childhood, in a way that was both authentic and artistically coherent. He has stated that carrying the book within him for over two decades was essential for his personal maturation and to overcome fears associated with revisiting past wounds for himself and his family. The act of writing became a therapeutic process, allowing him to confront and articulate experiences that had long remained unspoken.
To share this personal journey and its therapeutic insights, promotional presentations for "Le champ des rives" are planned in several countries. These events are scheduled to take place in France, Canada, and Switzerland, reflecting a concerted effort to reach a diverse and international audience. The international scope of these presentations indicates an effort to reach a broader audience, extending beyond Burundi to communities in the diaspora and other interested readers who may resonate with themes of memory, identity, and the impact of conflict on individual lives. The book's availability on platforms like Amazon also supports its global reach, allowing it to be accessed by readers worldwide regardless of their geographical location. These efforts aim to ensure that Ntahuga’s powerful story reaches as many people as possible, fostering dialogue and understanding across different cultures and backgrounds.
Identity and the Shadow of 1993
"Le champ des rives" traces the journey of a child directly confronted with the tragic events of 1993 in Burundi. Claude Becky Ntahuga, the author, describes his novel as an exploration of the profound impact of these events on a young life. The narrative delves into the complexities of identity shaped by the conflict, particularly through the lens of his mixed heritage. The book specifically retraces the journey of a child, a central figure whose experiences during this tumultuous period form the core of the narrative.
Ntahuga's personal background, with a Tutsi father and a Hutu mother, becomes a central element in the book's examination of identity. This familial composition placed him at a unique and vulnerable intersection during a period marked by intense ethnic strife in Burundi, where such distinctions often led to division and violence. The novel, therefore, not only recounts historical events but also provides a deeply personal perspective on how individual identity is forged and fractured amidst societal violence. Ntahuga's work notes the challenges faced by those with dual ethnic heritage during conflicts that often seek to divide populations along such lines, forcing individuals to confront complex questions of belonging and self-definition. The book serves as a reflection on how these formative experiences, rooted in the political and social upheaval of 1993, continue to influence an individual's sense of self and belonging long after the immediate crisis has passed, illustrating the enduring legacy of conflict on personal identity.
Encouraging Youth and Building Memory
Claude Becky Ntahuga believes individual stories contribute to a collective memory of Burundi. This conviction drives his broader engagement beyond the pages of his novel. Ntahuga, a filmmaker by training, stated that reading played a decisive role in his personal development, shaping his worldview and providing him with invaluable perspectives. He strongly encourages young people to read, viewing it as a fundamental tool for personal growth, critical thinking, and understanding history. He emphasizes that engaging with literature, including works like "Le champ des rives," can help younger generations connect with their past and build a more informed future.
From September, Ntahuga plans to organize meetings with young people in writing clubs, universities, libraries, and cultural associations. These initiatives are designed to create spaces for dialogue and reflection, allowing young people to engage directly with the themes of memory, identity, and reconciliation that are central to his work. He aims to foster a shared understanding of the past through these engagements, believing that by sharing individual narratives and encouraging open discussion, a more full and empathetic collective memory of Burundi can be built. These meetings will serve as platforms for education and inspiration, encouraging young Burundians to explore their own stories and contribute to the ongoing national conversation about healing and remembrance.
Book Availability and Future Events
The book "Le champ des rives" is available directly through the publisher's website, providing a convenient option for readers worldwide to acquire a copy. This direct channel ensures accessibility and supports the independent publishing process. Readers in Burundi can acquire copies of the novel at specific locations in Bujumbura, including Galerie Alexander and Chez Dada, making it readily available to local audiences. Additionally, a sale for the book is planned to be launched on Amazon, which will further expand its accessibility to a global audience, leveraging the platform's extensive reach. These multiple channels aim to ensure the novel reaches a broad readership interested in Claude Becky Ntahuga's exploration of trauma and memory, fostering a wider engagement with its powerful narrative and themes. The availability across various platforms shows the author's commitment to sharing his story and insights with as many people as possible, both within Burundi and internationally.