Matéo Maximoff

Matéo Maximoff

Matéo Maximoff (January 17, 1917 – November 24, 1999) was a French writer of Romani ethnicity and an Evangelical pastor.

Biography

Matéo's father was a Kalderash Rom from Russia, his mother was a Manouche from France. She was a cousin of Django Reinhardt. Matéo was born in Barcelona, Spain.

His father was a tinker. He taught Matéo how to read, write and count. He also had much to tell him about Russia, Kalderash history, different Roma and countries. He died when Matéo was 14. Matéo took over as a tinker to support himself and his younger brothers and sisters. He also taught his brothers and sisters how to read and write.

In 1936, because of the Spanish civil war his family sought shelter among relatives in France.

In 1940 they were arrested under suspicion of intelligence with the enemy, as were other refugees.

Maximoff's family were interned in a camp for 'spies' for 42 days and then the police transferred the 'Gypsies' to a 'Gypsy camp' in Tarbes. After Tarbes, in May 1941, followed an internment camp for 'nomads' in Lannemazan.

After World War II, Maximoff settled in France. He wrote eleven books that were translated into fourteen languages. he also produced an album including ethnographical pictures of 'Gypsies' in France.

In 1961 he became an Evangelic pastor, translating the New Testament into Romani language.

Bibliography

  • "Angels of Destiny" (1999)
  • "People of Roads" (1995)
  • "Roads without Caravans" (1993)
  • "This world that isn't mine" (1992)
  • "Say that with tears" (1990)
  • "Vinguerka" (1987)
  • "The Doll of Mameliga" (1986)
  • "Condemned for Surviving" (1984)
  • "The Seventh Daughter" (1979)
  • "Savina" (1957)
  • "The Price of Freedom" (1955)
  • "The Ursitory" (1946)

External links


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