Scrabble

In Scrabble, Michaël Ferrier beautifully intertwines memories of childhood with the harsh realities of war, showcasing the resilience of friendship and family in challenging times.

In Scrabble, Michaël Ferrier takes readers on a poignant journey through memory and childhood against the backdrop of war-torn Chad. The narrative begins with two young boys playing Scrabble in N’Djamena, a city engulfed in chaos in 1979. As fighting rages around them, the boys find solace in the game, symbolizing the power of imagination and connection in the face of destruction. Ferrier's vivid prose captures the essence of their childhood, illustrating how moments of joy can persist even amidst turmoil.

The author delves deep into his memories, likening them to the silty waters of the Chari River, where the past is intertwined with the present. He reflects on the lives lost, the memories buried, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through evocative imagery, Ferrier paints a picture of a world where laughter and friendship endure despite the surrounding violence. The act of playing Scrabble becomes a metaphor for reclaiming one’s narrative, as the letters symbolize the fragments of a life that still hold meaning.

Ultimately, Scrabble serves as a tribute to the city of N’Djamena and its people, celebrating the bonds of family and friendship that transcend time and conflict. Ferrier's lyrical storytelling invites readers to remember the past not as a distant memory but as a living, breathing part of their present, emphasizing the enduring power of connection amidst adversity.