Born in Pointe-à-Pitre on February 11, 1934, Maryse Condé has addressed Africa, slavery and multiple black identities in around thirty books. She also taught for many years in the United States.
A great voice in French-speaking literature, she died in the night from Monday to Tuesday at Apt hospital (Vaucluse), where she passed away in her sleep, her husband told AFP. She is survived by her husband, Richard Philcox, and three children.