The fifth edition of the Festival du livre de Trou d'Eau Douce was held in Mauritius from October 2-4, 2026. Founder Barlen Pyamootoo reported a successful event, despite intermittent rain on the second day. The festival featured authors from France, La Réunion, Madagascar, and the Comoros, including Rahma Aboubacar, a Comorian author and editor. Pyamootoo expressed his delight in bringing together readers and writers from across the region.
The festival aimed to promote cultural exchange and highlight the literary talents of the Indian Ocean region. Pyamootoo emphasized the importance of cooperation between islands, citing the existing partnership with La Réunion as a model. He expressed interest in expanding collaborations with other islands, including the Seychelles and Madagascar. The festival also provided a platform for local authors to showcase their work and connect with readers.
The event featured a range of activities, including author talks, workshops, and book signings. French author Pénélope Bagieu, known for her graphic novel series Culottées, was a highlight of the festival. Her session was well-attended, with a long queue for her book signing. Pyamootoo was pleased to see children from the local primary school attending the festival and was impressed by their enthusiasm for reading.
One of the festival's key objectives is to make books accessible to everyone, particularly those who cannot afford them. The Groupement pour le soutien (GPS) de Trou-d'Eau-Douce sold new and used books at a low price of Rs 25. Pyamootoo also distributed books to children, likening it to providing bread to those in need. The festival relied on sponsorships to support its activities and make books and events available to a wider audience.
The festival also included a cinema night, which featured a documentary series called Venus d'ailleurs. Pyamootoo highlighted the importance of understanding Mauritius' history and cultural heritage. He noted that many intellectuals have worked to promote this understanding, and the festival aimed to contribute to this effort. The event was well-received, despite the chilly weather on the final night.
The sixth edition of the festival is already in the planning stages, with a focus on history as its central theme. Pyamootoo expressed his desire to invite historians and authors who can share their perspectives on the region's past and its cultural significance. He cited Sudhir Hazareesingh, a Mauritian historian based at Oxford University, as a potential guest. The festival will continue to promote cultural exchange and literary talent in the Indian Ocean region.
The festival's impact extends beyond the event itself, with Pyamootoo hoping to inspire a love of reading in young people. He noted that the festival provided a rare opportunity for people to come together around books and discuss their ideas and perspectives. The event demonstrated the enduring power of literature to bring people together and promote understanding.
Key points
- The festival featured authors from across the Indian Ocean region, including France, La Réunion, Madagascar, and the Comoros.
- The event aimed to promote cultural exchange and highlight the literary talents of the region.
- The festival provided a platform for local authors to showcase their work and connect with readers.
