The Audacious Republic ‌of Cornani: ⁢Jean-Paul Delfino Uncovers a 19th-Century⁤ French Imposture

Jean-Paul ⁤Delfino’s ‌new novel, “COUNANI, a king without ⁤land or crown,” plunges into the tumultuous 19th-century landscape of ⁣Guyana,​ a​ territory populated by a diverse mix⁢ of individuals -⁣ liberated convicts, gold prospectors, former⁣ slaves, and adventurers ⁤- ⁢alongside​ representatives of French administration. The novel‍ revisits characters from Delfino’s previous ​work,​ “Guyanes” ⁣(2023), namely Clara and Mané, a married couple comprised of a white woman and a Black man, ⁤both former convicts. ‌The narrative is sparked ‍when Clara unexpectedly returns⁢ to⁤ France, prompting Mané to embark on a journey to find her, a journey that weaves between Guyana and ⁢Paris.

Central to the story is the​ remarkable,and largely unknown,history of Jules ‌gros (1829-1891),a French geographer ‌and journalist. despite ‌never having visited Guyana, Gros ‍declared himself president ⁢of the autonomous ‌”Republic ‌of⁣ Guyana,” or⁣ “Republic of Cornani,” in 1886. In the novel, Mané becomes⁣ a‌ collaborator of​ Gros ⁣in Paris.

Delfino, speaking on the Vertigo show on September 12th, confessed his ‌interest with Gros, stating, “I still do not know ​if this gentleman was a utopian, ⁢a ‍poet,⁣ a crook or simply someone​ a little cracked.” He ​further‌ noted that the ancient relationship between Paris⁤ and‌ Guyana⁢ has consistently been marked by “a frantic Jacobinism and a poor reputation.”

The⁢ novel details how Gros exploited the‌ widespread belief in ‌Guyana’s potential wealth, promising ample returns on investments to a number ⁤of unsuspecting individuals. He ⁣successfully convinced them that the newly ‍proclaimed republic represented an “Eldorado.”

“COUNANI” contrasts the⁣ stark reality of ⁢a‌ neglected Guyana with the fantastical ⁣mirages conjured in‌ Paris⁤ regarding⁣ the territory’s supposed ⁢riches. Gros’s ambition extended beyond mere proclamation; he commissioned ‍a flag, drafted a constitution, and ‌even attempted to establish ⁣a functioning government, appointing butchers unfamiliar⁣ with even ⁤basic geography as ministers⁢ and opening consulates and embassies across Europe. Remarkably, some foreign nations initially ‍believed in the republic’s⁣ legitimacy, a testament to the⁢ power of repeated falsehood.

Delfino emphasizes that Gros’s actions are‌ emblematic of France’s historical ignorance ​regarding ‌its overseas territories. “I ⁢wanted to tell the character of Jules Gros, as for‌ me he is ​very emblematic of the ignorance⁤ of the rest of the world by France,” he explained.

The author draws parallels between the 19th-century situation and contemporary French policy,expressing dismay that little progress has been made. “I really have ⁤the impression of having written a‍ contemporary novel,” Delfino stated, citing recent proposals to reopen the Cayenne prison ⁤or establish a company⁣ in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon as⁣ evidence that “We‍ did ⁣not ⁣advance a millimeter, it is cataclysmic.”

“COUNANI, A King without land or crown” by‌ Jean-Paul Delfino is published by⁢ ISTYA and​ CIE‍ and is⁢ scheduled for release in August 2025.

(Source: Interview by pierre Philippe CADERT, adaptation web: mh)