Senegalese student famed for vanishing in France publishes new book
Diary Sow, a 20-year-old Senegalese student, made headlines earlier this year when she disappeared from her high school in France, only to reappear in Dakar days later. The incident sparked widespread concern and curiosity, with many wondering what had driven her to take such a drastic step.
Now, Sow has published a new book, "I'm Leaving," which tells the story of a young woman named Coura who decides to escape her life in Paris and reclaim her story. The book is a work of fiction, but it is clear that Sow drew heavily from her own experiences when writing it.
In an interview, Sow explained that she felt "imprisoned by the opinion of others" and that she had written the book to "settle a few scores" and "free up speech." She also stated that she had felt a strong need to write the book, and that if she hadn't chosen to leave France, she wouldn't have written it.
The book's publisher, Robert-Laffont, has highlighted the parallels between Sow's real-life disappearance and the story of Coura, emphasizing the "confusion between the real and the invented" as a key selling point. A promotional video for the book shows Sow packing her suitcase and slipping out into the night, leaving the viewer to wonder what inspired her to take such a dramatic step.
Sow has refused to recount her own experiences during her disappearance, describing it as a "strictly personal" moment. However, she has acknowledged that her experience inspired her to create the character of Coura, who she describes as her "alter ego."
Through her book, Sow is exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the complexities of human experience. By sharing her story, she hopes to spark important conversations and challenge societal norms. As she says, "I am not Coura and she is not me," but it is clear that the two share a deep connection, and that Sow's experiences have informed and inspired her writing in profound ways.
