"Antso" ("The Call") holds a special place in Malagasy literary history as E.D. Andriamalala's very first novel, written in 1943, though it would not appear in print until 1965. Even in this debut work, the rich, inventive vocabulary that would become his signature was already fully present, impressing his contemporaries and setting the tone for a career defined by lyrical, nature-infused Malagasy prose. Reading "Antso" today offers a rare glimpse of a major author finding his voice — the first note of a body of work that would go on to include national classics such as Fofombadiko and Ilay Vohitry ny Nofy.

Meet E.D. Andriamalala at the very beginning of his career — discover "Antso" today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emilson Daniel Andriamalala (born 1916, Toamasina - died 1979), known by his pen name E.D. Andriamalala, is considered the father of Malagasy literary realism. Educated at the Paul Minault school in Antananarivo, he wrote 18 major novels and essays over his lifetime, several of which remain on the national school and university syllabus. His writing is celebrated for its rich, inventive Malagasy prose, its deep attachment to the island's nature and coastline, and its recurring meditation on love and national identity.

DETAILS

Author: E.D. Andriamalala (Emilson Daniel Andriamalala)

Original title: Antso

Language: Malagasy

Genre: Novel — literary fiction

Written: 1943 · First published: 1965

Publisher: Librairie Mixte, Antananarivo

Format: Paperback

Note: The author's debut novel