African French & English Literature Book Group Discussion: Reading The Silence of the Chagos

The K-16 Education Outreach Program at the African Studies Center hosts an annual series of book group meetings wherein participants of all ages and backgrounds are invited to read and discuss engaging novels by African authors.

We offer two book discussion groups: one focuses on African literature written in or translated to English, and another one focuses on African literature written in or translated to French, discussed in French. The English book group is now in its 16th year. See the full list of books read over fifteen years here.

These programs are free and open to all. Participants must procure a copy of their own books.

Join us on March 27th, from 4 to 6 PM ET to discuss Shenaz Patel’s The Silence of the Chagos & find out about a true history that is relevant to all in the United States. Teachers can read the book either in French or in English and the discussion will occur in English.

A related workshop for social studies educators on the history of the Chagos Islands, the Chagossian People, the British Empire and the United States will occur on Saturday April 6th, 2024 at 10 AM ET, and will bring together scholars, activists from the Chagossian community, zooming in from Mauritius.