The fascinating story of Captain Charles N’Tchoréré, a prominent figure in Franco-Gabonese history, continues to generate interest and recognition, even more than 70 years after his tragic death. His heroic commitment to the French colonial troops, his bravery on the battlefields, and his exceptional destiny inspired journalist and novelist Christian Eboulé to write a captivating book, “Le testament de Charles”, to revive this forgotten memory.
The genesis of this literary project dates back to a chance encounter in 2008, when young Gabonese men mentioned the name of Captain N’Tchoréré to Christian Eboulé for the first time. This moment marked the beginning of a long quest to retrace the extraordinary journey of this unsung hero. After years of research and collaboration with the Charles N’Tchoréré Foundation, which holds the captain’s precious archives, Eboulé has finally given birth to a poignant novel that mixes reality and fiction to better pay tribute to this African soldier who fell in the service of France.
Despite the passage of time, the memory of Charles N’Tchoréré remains alive in Gabon, although his legacy has often been relegated to the background. However, this situation seems to be changing, particularly thanks to the involvement of President Brice Oligui Nguema who recently solemnly celebrated the captain’s memory, marking a major turning point in the recognition of his historical role.
Christian Eboulé made the wise choice to opt for fiction rather than biography to bring the story of Charles N’Tchoréré to life. By freeing himself from the constraints of the biographical genre, the author was able to explore the psychology and emotions of his character, thus offering a more intimate and profound perspective on his commitment and tragic destiny.
The novel “Le testament de Charles” turns out to be much more than a simple evocation of a forgotten historical figure. It raises essential questions about identity, collective memory, and the societal issues of its time, by exploring the complex links between small and large history through the prism of the singular life of Charles N’Tchoréré.
By highlighting crucial historical events, such as the world wars and the role of African riflemen, Christian Eboulé’s novel invites the reader to reflect on the notion of “black force” and its impact on the society of the time. By drawing on literary and poetic references, such as Senghor’s poem on the massacre of Senegalese riflemen in Thiaroye, the author enriches his story and sheds more light on the issues and tensions of this troubled period in history.
Thus, through “Le testament de Charles”, Christian Eboulé offers a poignant and humane tribute to a man who sacrificed his life for his ideals and his country.This captivating novel is an invaluable testimony to courage, loyalty and the complexity of individual destinies in the midst of the tumults of History.