Solea (novel)

Solea is a 2023 novel by Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, the Nobel laureate. The novel tells the story of Solea, a woman returning to her childhood home on the island of Mauritius after a long absence. The narrative explores themes of memory, identity, family secrets, and the complex history of the island, particularly focusing on the perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized. Solea's return triggers a process of rediscovery and reckoning with the past, unveiling hidden truths about her family and the island's colonial legacy. The novel is characterized by Le Clézio's lyrical prose and his characteristic exploration of themes related to displacement, cultural identity, and the search for belonging.