Gaël Faye

Gaël Faye is a French-Rwandan author, rapper, and songwriter. He is best known for his debut novel 'Petit Pays' (Small Country), which has received critical acclaim and numerous awards.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Small Country

    Set against the backdrop of the Rwandan genocide and Burundi's civil war, the story follows a young boy named Gabriel who lives a relatively idyllic life in a comfortable expatriate neighborhood in Burundi. As ethnic tensions escalate, his world is shattered, forcing him to confront the brutal realities of violence, loss, and identity. Through Gabriel's eyes, the narrative explores themes of innocence lost, the impact of political turmoil on personal lives, and the struggle to find a sense of belonging amidst chaos.

    The 12709th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Jacaranda

    Set against the vibrant backdrop of a small African village, this poignant narrative explores the complexities of identity, memory, and belonging. Through the eyes of a young protagonist, readers are drawn into a world where the past and present intertwine, revealing the intricate tapestry of personal and collective histories. As the protagonist grapples with the echoes of colonialism and the quest for self-discovery, the story unfolds with lyrical prose and evocative imagery, capturing the essence of a community's resilience and the enduring power of hope.

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