Johary RAVALOSON

Born in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Johary Ravaloson is a distinguished author, translator, and publisher known for his contributions to contemporary Malagasy literature. He studied law at the University of Paris 2 – Assas and earned his PhD at the University of Réunion in 2002. Alongside his legal career, he engaged in artistic and literary activities, notably with the character Arius et Mary Batiskaf. He practiced and taught law in Réunion and later in his hometown before fully dedicating himself to literature in 2016.

Ravaloson writes novels, short stories, and adaptations of traditional tales, and also translates literary works. In 2006, he co-founded Dodo Vole Publishing with his wife, contemporary artist Sophie Bazin, to promote the arts and literatures of the southwestern Indian Ocean, particularly Madagascar and Réunion. 

In 2018, he launched Lettres de Lémurie, a literary magazine that annually publishes twenty-four authors from the region, in French or in their native languages with French translations.

His novel Return to the Enchanted Island, translated into English, won the Prix du Roman de l’Océan Indien. The book combines modern themes with Malagasy mythology, showcasing his unique storytelling style. Since 2017, Ravaloson has lived in Normandy, France, where he continues to focus on writing, translation, and publishing, helping to promote Malagasy culture and storytelling worldwide.

Publications in English

Translated by Allison M. Charette

• The Return To The Enchanted Island, novel, from Les larmes d’Ietsé (2012), Amazon Crossing, Seattle, Washington (USA), 2019.
• Water in the Rice Fields up to My Knees!, short story, Sunspot Jungle, vol. 1, Rosarium Publishing, Greenbelt, Maryland (USA), 2019.
• Out’n Around, short story, The Southern Review, Summer issue 2019, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (USA), 2019.

Translated by Mehedy Hasan

– The most secret memory of dodo, Mayurpankhi Publishing, Dakha, Bengladesh, 2023.