Taking it 'Beyond the Horizon' to Brussels |21 June 2017

June 18 commemorates several significant events in Seychelles' history. Aside from the adoption of our new constitution, leading to the birth of a new republic in 1993, it was on this very day that Napoleon was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo. This defeat, 202 years ago, led to the consolidation of British rule over Seychelles, which had began in 1794 with the signature of the “Capitulation” document by Commandant Jean-Baptiste Quéau de Quinssy.

As a British colony, Seychelles underwent rapid social and economic change which included, among others, the demarcation of slave trading as illegal and its eventual abolition altogether in 1835.

It is under this historical backdrop that Seychellois author Robert Grandcourt decided to launch his book 'Beyond the Horizon' internationally last Sunday.

The novel immerses its readers in the lives of masters and slaves in the Seychelles. The story passionately and vividly journeys through the emotions of ‘forbidden’ inter racial love amid the cruelty of the slave trade. It is through similar actualities which led to the birth of our rainbow nation - A nation determined to live harmoniously despite its turbulent and cruel past. 

The launching held in Brussels, Belgium at the world renowned book store, Waterstones, is Mr Grandcourt’s second book launch this year - his first being at the Mayor’s Office in Victoria Seychelles in January. The event facilitated by the famous poet Sarah Strange was also attended by the Ambassador of Seychelles in Belgium, His Excellency Selby Pillay, members of the Brussels Writer’s circle, Seychellois colleagues, friends and family.

Mr Grandcourt, who grew up on Praslin, describes the genre of his book as being in between a factual autobiography (i.e. FACT) and a novel (i.e. FICTION) in a new category he likes to refer to as ‘Faction’.

Having read ‘Beyond the Horizon’, Mrs Strange commended Mr Grandcourt stating: ‘I am a great fan of Robert’s writing. What I like about this book are the many amusing little touches, the superb use of metaphors and his expressive language where he talks not of years but of monsoons, of people -stealers, not slave traders, of fruit bats as large as bananas and skies that burst with stars - to name a few’.

Following its success locally, ‘Beyond the Horizon’ will now be available to the international market in Brussels becoming a symbol of pride and joy not only to Mr Grandcourt but to all Seychellois and the country.

Contributed by Kalsey Belle