PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library is pleased to announce the receipt of “De Barmhartige Staat” (The Merciful State), the debut novel by Etienne Ys, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles.
Set in an alternate history where West Africans, rather than Western Europeans, conquered the Americas, the novel follows King Yaw and Crown Prince Juma on the Caribbean island of Botan Po as they seek to implement progressive reforms. Political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and suspenseful drama reminiscent of House of Cards and Borgen drive the story, challenging readers to reflect on history, power, and compassion.
Etienne Ys draws on his extensive political experience and lifelong commitment to education to craft this rich historical saga. “De Barmhartige Staat” is currently available in Dutch, with an English translation expected in the near future.
The book was officially handed over to the Sint Maarten Library by the author, marking a significant addition to its collection and its mission to promote reading across the region.