Katya Delimbeuf Explores African-Portuguese Identity in ‘Âncora’
Lisbon-born author Katya Delimbeuf has long been a voice in the world of journalism, but her literary debut, Âncora (Anchor), marks a shift from reporting facts to exploring the deeper, more fluid currents of national identity. In her first novel, Delimbeuf argues that Portuguese identity is inextricably linked to the African continent, weaving a narrative that suggests the two histories are impossible to untangle.
The African Heart of Portuguese Identity
“The African imaginary is deeply interconnected with Portuguese identity; it is difficult to separate the two,” Delimbeuf told Lusa news agency. Born in 1978 to a French father and a Portuguese mother, the former journalist believes that Portugal’s shared history with Africa remains vibrant today, shaped by memories of the colonial war and the mass return of citizens following the 1974 Carnation Revolution.
“Whether through our parents or our grandparents, these memories are very present in the identity of the Portuguese person today,” she argues. “Since the Age of Discovery, Portugal has been a country focused on travel, maritime expansion, and encounters with the ‘other.’ I believe that intersection is particularly visible in our relationship with Africa.”
A Journey of Identity and DNA
Âncora follows two protagonists, Laura and Afonso, as they navigate physical and spiritual landscapes in Mozambique and Cape Verde. For Delimbeuf, the book is an exploration of “roots” and the fundamental question of what defines a human being.
“The characters take us on a journey that makes us question whether we are who we are because of our DNA, our experiences, or how others see us,” the author explained. The two characters mirror this search in different ways: Afonso sets out on a boat to the Cape Verdean island of Brava, seeking a “missing piece to his existential puzzle,” while Laura, a therapist by trade, undergoes an introspective journey that takes her to Mozambique after a shocking discovery upends her understanding of her own past.
While Afonso’s journey is driven by a conscious, therapeutic search for happiness, Laura’s path is more accidental. “In her case, the discoveries happen without her looking for them,” Delimbeuf noted, adding that Laura’s naturally introspective personality is a reflection of her profession rather than gender archetypes.
From Deadlines to Dreams
Writing a novel was a lifelong ambition for Delimbeuf, but one that required a radical change in lifestyle. A veteran journalist with 17 years at the weekly newspaper Expresso and experience with outlets like TF1 and the National Post, she found that her demanding career left little room for creative fiction.
“I realized I couldn’t combine writing a book with a regular job,” she said. “I didn’t have the free space in my brain to create a story with the dedication required.” After committing a year and a half to the project, Delimbeuf now hopes to transition into writing full-time.
Despite her mixed heritage and French education, Delimbeuf’s loyalties remain firmly rooted in her birthplace. “My affections are 100% Portuguese,” she said with a smile. “If Portugal plays a football match against France, I only root for Portugal.”
Image: Pexels – Leeloo The First
