Déwé Gorodé

Déwé Gorodé was born in 1949 in Ponérihouen in New Caledonia. After high school, she took a B.A. at the Université Paul-Valéry de Montpellier. She returned to New Caledonia to teach. She was soon involved in political action, starting with the Foulards Rouges [Red Scarves], of which she soon became president.

She was later involved with the groupe 1878 and then with the independence movement, PALIKA. During this period, she was sent to prison on three occasions. She returned to teaching, teaching Paicî, her native language. She continued to be involved in political activity, most recently having served as vice-president of the Government of New Caledonia. During this period, she was writing poetry, stories and novels.

Dewe wrote the first Kanak novel, L'Epave (2005) which has since been translated into English as 'The Wreck'.

By this author

The Wreck

Young Léna's quest is to gain an awareness of a repressed childhood trauma. It is, she says, like the excitement of a detective sensing he's about to uncover the clue that will open the gates of truth.

"Naked, cruel, indecent - whatever. I must have the truth. And I will track it down until it blows up in my face."

Set against the fight for independence in New Caledonia, The Wreck is the first Kanak novel and a turblent examination of inter-generational abuse.

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