A JOURNEY TO CHILDHOOD THROUGH FLAVOURS, SMELLS, SOUNDS AND COLORS: D. LAFERRIERE'S NOVEL “THE SMELL OF COFFEE”

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of D. Laferrière’s novel “The Smell of Coffee” in order to demonstrate the discourse of childhood-as-joy. The colour-olfactory-sound poetics of the text shows how the author’s artistic intention is realised through a sentimental-humorous or nostalgic-poetic code in accordance with his childhood memories. The colour imagery, as well as the gustatory and olfactory elements functioning as markers of the main character’s joyful childhood, have been analysed. In this way, the writer conveys the child’s specific psycho-emotional state. D. Laferrière’s goal is to show, through mosaic mini-sketches from life in Haiti, the atmosphere of a happy childhood as an art of living – enjoying, tasting, and savouring the world around us. Such experiences give meaning to one’s adult life and become the basis for the formation of personal identity. The thesis that the novel “The Smell of Coffee” carries a positive message and performs an important didactic, life-affirming function by demonstrating the discourse of childhood-as-joy has been confirmed. The first-person narration, voiced by a child (Laferrière himself), gives the story additional lyricism and authenticity. The novel was written in honour of the most important person in the writer’s childhood – Grandma Da, who personifies wisdom and love. The components of childhood joy have been identified: playing football with friends, the sound of rain, and Vava’s yellow dress. The dream of a red bicycle – an attribute of a happy childhood – is associated with recovery for the ill boy. The smell of coffee has been defined as the smell of a happy childhood.