“Former Prime Minister Etienne Ys Donates Debut Novel to Sint Maarten Library”

The book was graciously handed over to us by the author himself, and we are proud to add it to our collection.

“De Barmhartige Staat” offers a fascinating exploration of an alternate history where West Africans, rather than Western Europeans, conquered the Americas. Set on the Caribbean island of Botan Po, the story follows King Yaw and Crown Prince Juma as they seek to introduce progressive reforms, including greater citizen participation, religious freedom, and rights for enslaved white Europeans.

Political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and suspenseful drama reminiscent of House of Cards and Borgen drive the narrative, offering readers both entertainment and thoughtful reflection on humanity, history, and compassion. Etienne Ys draws on his extensive political experience and lifelong commitment to education to craft this richly layered story.

We, the Sint Maarten Library, are delighted that our community now has the opportunity to explore this compelling work. “De Barmhartige Staat” is currently available in Dutch, with an English translation expected in the near
future. We invite everyone to visit the Sint Maarten Library to discover this remarkable novel and join us in celebrating literature that inspires reflection on history, governance, and the human experience.