It is not only the fact that this is the most deeply felt presentation of the female condition in African fiction that gives distinction to this novel, but also its undoubted literary qualities, which seem to place it among the best novels that have come out of our continent. - West Africa

This novel is a perceptive testimony to the plight of articulate women who live in social milieux dominated by attitudes and values that deny them their proper place. It is a sequence of reminiscences, some wistful, some bitter, recounted by a recently widowed Senegalese school teacher. The letter, addressed to an old friend, is a record of her emotional struggle for survival after her husband's abrupt decision to take a second wife. Although his action is sanctioned by Islam, it is a calculated betrayal of his wife's trust and a brutal rejection of their life together.

Synopsis

So long a letter (translated from Une si longue lettre) is a semi-autobiographical novel originally written in French by the Senegalese writer Mariama Bâ. Its theme is the condition of women in African society.

Reviews

On Sep 8 2016, a reader said:

I'd say it's a good book for people 16 and up. I choose 16 because there's little to no adult content involved in the book. And also the language and vocabulary used in the book as well. Very short book;only around 90 pages. Very simple, easy read, not so complex to the point that it starts to get confusing and hard to comprehend.

Alot of things happen to the main character and her friend and what they go through is very interesting. A little confused in the beginning, but that was just my experience. Only because I didn't know what was going on until I kept reading then I began to understand. Very strong since of the culture and in this book and the cultural references.

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Details

Bookseller: Kindred Bookshop (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 9780435913526
Title: So Long a Letter (African Writers)
Author: Mariama Ba
Book Condition: Used - Very Good
Quantity Available: 1
Binding: Paperback
ISBN 10: 0435913522
ISBN 13: 9780435913526
Publisher: Heinemann
Place of Publication: England
Date Published: 2008-09

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