Madagascar: Misconceptions About the Great Island – Patricia Rajeriarison and Sylvain Urfer

Madagascar, the red island, the happy island as some called it just a few years ago. It's true that everything is there to sustain the myth: sumptuous landscapes, exceptional flora and fauna, the smiling hospitality of its inhabitants, traditions still very much alive… Yet, the careful observer will be quick to point out the deep poverty, recurring political crises, and underlying violence that seriously tarnish this postcard-perfect image. Through the crossed perspectives of a Malagasy woman and a Frenchman, this book demonstrates that while Madagascar is not, and never has been, the happy island dreamed of by some, it is equally far from being the nightmare that statistics might suggest… Patricia Rajeriarison is a consultant specializing in private sector development, particularly in tourism in Madagascar. Sylvain Urfer, a Jesuit, has lived in Madagascar for over 40 years and is a founding member of the SeFaFi (Observatory of Malagasy Public Life).