Axel Gauvin

Biography

Born in 1944 in Réunion, Axel Gauvin is one of the most important writers of contemporary Réunion literature. A teacher by profession, he devotes part of his work to Réunion Creole, which he defends as a fully fledged literary medium, alongside his writing in French. His novel “Quartier Trois Lettres” (1980), written directly in Réunion Creole, is a historic milestone: it shows that the Creole language can carry a complex narrative and describe Réunion society from the inside.

His work in French is also significant: “Faims d'enfance” (Childhood Hungers, 1987) and “Train Fou” (Mad Train, 1984) portray with sensitivity and humour life in working-class neighbourhoods and the Hauts (uplands) of Réunion. Gauvin campaigns for the codification and teaching of Réunion Creole, contributing to work on standardising its spelling. His commitment lies at the crossroads of literature, linguistics and Réunion's cultural identity. He shares with Boris Gamaleya and Danyèl Waro the same concern to promote the Creole language as a tool of knowledge and beauty.

Contribution

Author of the first novel in Réunion Creole (“Quartier Trois Lettres”, 1980); bilingual (Creole/French) novelist and poet; campaigner for the standardisation and promotion of Réunion Creole.

Legacy

His work in Réunion Creole paved the way for an island literature in the island's own language; his novels in French remain key references on everyday working-class life in Réunion.