This summer’s literary releases
At a time when screens are playing an ever-greater role in our daily lives, summer offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, switch off and, above all, rediscover the joy of reading. Turning the pages, letting yourself be swept away by a story, taking the time to let your imagination run wild… The editorial team has chosen two very different books, both of which are linked to Saint-Martin: a magical adventure for children and an autobiographical tale, accompanied by music, for their mum.
The Fool’s Carnival, by Leonardo Incardona
Following on from *The Book of Spells*, *The Evil of the Forest* and *The Monster of Grand-Case*, Leonardo Incardona continues the adventures of his young heroes with *The Fool’s Carnival*, the fourth volume in his children’s series aimed primarily at children aged 9 to 11. This time, Cloé, Séréna and their friend Enzo immerse themselves in the colourful atmosphere of Mardi Gras in Grand-Case. Costumes, magic, animals and humour abound in an adventure that transforms the carnival into a veritable fantastical playground.
Young readers will be reunited with the series’ now-familiar characters: Cloé and Séréna, two nine-year-old twins with magical powers who can understand animals; Enzo, their friend from Santo Domingo; Mâ-Mâchat, the magician grandmother; Captain Frenchy, Maria, Karim, as well as Pixie, Bidule, Roudoudou and the parrot Pagaillo.
Through these illustrated novels, Leonardo Incardona aims above all to inspire children to read, by offering them a world in which they can recognise themselves. Saint Martin, with its landscapes, neighbourhoods, traditions and atmosphere, thus becomes the setting in its own right for their adventures.
Ever since the first volume, which took Cloé and Séréna from the mysterious island of Arcadan to Saint Martin, the series has gradually taken root on the island. Grand Case, the sea, the forest, local legends and, now, the carnival all provide the inspiration for the various stories.
• Le Carnaval du Fou – Self-published in French and English, available at the Tourist Office shop at Grand Case Airport.
*I Chose Myself*, by Mylène Linon
Twenty-three chapters, twenty-three songs. This is what sets this autobiographical account apart, published on 19 July by Mylène Linon. Born in Guadeloupe and living in Saint Martin since 2000, Myl’N recounts her life story… and it took her 50 years to write it.
At the end of each chapter, a QR code allows the reader to listen to an original song. The book, written in French, tells the story, whilst the music – in Guadeloupean Creole or French – brings the emotions and memories to life. It features a range of styles, including gwo ka, zouk, gospel and ballads. The author wrote all the lyrics herself and chose the musical style to match each stage of her story. An English version of the book is being released this month, and Myl’N will be signing copies this Wednesday, 12 August, from 4 pm to 8 pm, at Concordia (1, Impasse Augustin Baker).
• *Je me suis choisie* – 238 pages in French and English (*I Chose Myself*), available in print (€34.90) or digital format. The album featuring all twenty-three songs is also available to stream online for free.
