After studying philosophy, political science, and economics, Érik Orsenna became a teacher and researcher. A member of the Académie française and the Haut Conseil de la francophonie, he has also served as an advisor to the presidency. L’Exposition colonial (1988; The Colonial Exposition) was awarded the Prix Goncourt in 1998. His most recent novel, Mali, ô Mali (2014; Mali, Oh Mali), offers a possible way forward for the West African country. A scathing and uncompromising portrait of Mali today, it shows the reality of a country plagued by jihadists and corruption through the voice of an African Joan of Arc.