Král Sobol aneb Putování Mórice Beňovského – Rufin Jean-Christopher (2023)

The novel's theme is the life story of the globetrotter and Enlightenment figure of Slovak origin, Móric Beňovský (1746–1786). The author was inspired by his extensive memoirs, written in the 1780s and first published in 1790, when they became a worldwide bestseller. The framework of the novel consists of the main character's and his companion's narrative during a visit to Benjamin Franklin. The vivid depiction of their life stories – from a troubled childhood, participation in the Polish struggle against Russian occupation, through captivity and time in a penal colony in Siberia, to escape and a harrowing journey from Kamchatka around China to Europe – ultimately leads to the reason for their visit: After settling in Madagascar, Beňovský managed to reconcile the local inhabitants, who even proclaimed him king. However, he originally arrived on the island at the behest of the French monarch, who insists on subjugating the territory to make it a source of minerals, and especially slaves. Beňovský seeks Franklin's help and support. In Madagascar, he sees a real opportunity to realize Enlightenment ideas, avoid subjugating the local population, and instead grant them – and thus himself – freedom...