A Journey of Self-Discovery: Unpacking the Depths of "Sangoma le Guérisseur"
At first glance, the synopsis of Hichem Ben Azouz's debut novel, "Sangoma le Guérisseur", may evoke the idea of an epic adventure or a thrilling tale. However, as the reader delves into the 556 pages, they are immersed in a far more introspective, philosophical, and sometimes mystical journey.
A Story of Transformation
The narrative follows Slim, a young emergency doctor on the brink of burnout, who decides to change his life after a traumatic event. He embarks on a journey across Africa, from the northernmost point of the continent, Cap Angela in Tunisia, to the southernmost point, Cap Agulhas in South Africa. As the author notes in the preface, the story "borrows from reality, dreams, and memory".
A Critique of the Healthcare System
The first part of the novel is a scathing critique of the situation faced by emergency doctors. Although the story takes place in 2002, the issues addressed remain painfully relevant today. Ben Azouz writes, "We save, we save, and then we're the ones who get picked up". The situation described in the heart of Africa is even more desperate, with a lack of medication, corruption within NGOs, and permanent insecurity.
A Portrait of the Wounded Healer
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the succession of events is not meant to be taken at face value. The author is, in fact, painting a portrait of the "wounded healer", one who falls morally and physically, but whose descent becomes a catalyst for inner transformation. Ben Azouz quotes a famous phrase by Jung, "No tree can rise to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell".
A Message of Hope
The narrative, without succumbing to victimization and misfortune, leaves room for optimism and a glimmer of hope that softens the impact of the darkest passages. During the presentation of his novel, Ben Azouz cited several literary and philosophical inspirations that nourished the writing of "Sangoma le Guérisseur", including Frantz Fanon, Albert Camus, Ibn Arabi, and Rûmî.
The Power of Narrative Medicine
Ben Azouz also references the concept of narrative medicine, developed in the early 2000s, which emphasizes the importance of listening to the patient's story and integrating it into the healing process. As he writes in his novel, "Slim was the only one who listened". In a world where medicine is often dehumanized, listening becomes a therapeutic act that connects the clinical, human, and spiritual dimensions that permeate the entire novel.
A Unique Writing Style
The novel stands out for its original themes and unique writing style. The sentences are short, fragmented, and often verbless, with numerous line breaks. The overall effect is an airy, fragmented writing style, punctuated by silences. The reading experience is lightened by this broken form, sometimes rhythmic. The volume of the novel, exceeding 500 pages, should not discourage potential readers.
A Cinematic Quality
To reinforce the immersion in the narrative and accentuate the realism of certain scenes, the author chooses to transpose dialogues in their original language with a translation. In addition to English, the exchanges are in several African languages and dialects. The narrative thread alternates between abrupt events and passages that resemble a stream of consciousness. A large part of the novel is akin to poetic prose, in a style that is not unlike that of J.M.G. Le Clézio.
A Personal and Profound Work
In "Sangoma le Guérisseur", Hichem Ben Azouz seems to mobilize all his facets to deliver a deeply personal novel. An English translation is already planned to allow the book to be distributed in South Africa, the author's country of residence and the central spatial setting of the narrative. This first step into novel writing may announce others, and it remains to be seen if the author will continue this literary adventure for a broader journey.
