An Impossible Return: A Novel

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*Winner of the Prix Maison de la Presse*

An epic love story set against a backdrop of injustice, devastating secrets, and the painful price of independence.

Its 1967 in the Chagos Archipelago a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean and life is peaceful and easy for hardworking Marie. Her fierce independence and love for her home are quickly apparent to Gabriel, the handsome and sophisticated Mauritian secretary to the archipelagos administrator; its love at first sight. As these two lovers from neighbouring islands welcome a new son, Josphin, a bright future seems possible. But Gabriel is hiding a terrible secret. The Mauritian government is negotiating independence from Britain, and this deal with the devil will mean evacuating the Chagos, without warning or mercy a betrayal that will put their love to the test.

Inspired by a shocking travesty of justice, the repercussions of which still reverberate more than fifty years later, bestselling Franco-Mauritian author Caroline Laurent paints a shimmering portrait of island life, a sensual paradise lost, and a gorgeous star-crossed love against all odds.

'Franco-Mauritian writer Laurent, in her potent English-language debut, overlays a tragic love story onto a powerful account of historical injustice in the Chagos ArchipelagoThanks to Laurents devastating work, readers will, indeed, have their eyes and hearts opened.' Publishers Weekly (starred review)

'While Rivage de la colre is a novel about exile and impossible love, it is nevertheless about hope too. It is an ambitious and sweeping story written with sensitivity that renders a geopolitical and human tragedy through its credible and endearing characters.' LOrient Littraire

'A beautiful portrayal of a strong womana harrowing novel, stirred with anger, that Caroline Laurent has written with great passion.' Libration

'Caroline Laurent writes about the Chagossian peoples removal and anger with finesse and emotion.' Le Parisien

Reviews

Franco-Mauritian writer Laurent, in her potent English-language debut, overlays a tragic love story onto a powerful account of historical injustice in the Chagos ArchipelagoThanks to Laurents devastating work, readers will, indeed, have their eyes and hearts opened. Publishers Weekly (starred review) Franco-Mauritian author Caroline Laurent has penned this historical fiction novel based on stories her Mauritian mother told, and [on] her extensive research. The narrative is written in the typical lyrical style of a French novel, which the translator has reproduced faithfully for readers enjoyment. Life on the islands is portrayed with intimate details of the inhabitants day-to-day existence, such that one can feel the pain of the indigenous peoples evacuation for reasons they dont understand. Historical Novels Review While Rivage de la colre is a novel about exile and impossible love, it is nevertheless about hope too. It is an ambitious and sweeping story written with sensitivity that renders a geopolitical and human tragedy through its credible and endearing characters. LOrient Littraire A beautiful portrayal of a strong womana harrowing novel, stirred with anger, that Caroline Laurent has written with great passion. Libration Caroline Laurent writes about the Chagossian peoples removal and anger with finesse and emotion. Le Parisien With a strong show of faith in the power of fiction, Caroline Laurent gives a voice and strength to a forgotten tragedy. Le Point Caroline Laurent writes with empathy and sensualityShe has fictionalized with subtlety and without hesitation. Le Figaro Littraire A deeply moving story about the heartbreak of exile. Version Femina Theres a lot to lovethe vulnerability and temerity of the characters, the bittersweet love story, the skillfully braided narrativebut more than anything, the novel is a vehicle for social change.The Chagossian struggle for justice becomes ours. Asymptote

Author Bio

Caroline Laurent is the bestselling Franco-Mauritian author of An Impossible Return, winner of the Prix Maison de la Presse 2020, Prix Louis-Guilloux 2020, and Prix du Salon du Livre du Mans 2020. She also cowrote, with Evelyne Pisier, Et soudain, la libert (And Suddenly, Freedom), which won the Grand Prix des Lycennes de ELLE.