Mariama Bâ
Mariama Bâ (1929–1981) was a Senegalese author and feminist, who wrote in French. Born in Dakar, she was raised by her grandparents in a traditional Muslim household. Bâ is known for her contribution to African literature with her novel 'Une si longue lettre' ('So Long a Letter'), which won the Noma Award for Publishing in Africa in 1980. The novel is celebrated for its detailed portrayal of women's lives in Senegal and its exploration of themes such as gender inequality, polygamy, and the post-colonial challenges of African societies. Mariama Bâ's work continues to be influential in African studies and feminist literature.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. So Long a Letter
"So Long a Letter" is an epistolary novel that explores the life of a recently widowed woman in Senegal. Throughout the story, she reflects on her life, her marriage, her husband's second, younger wife, and the status of women in Senegalese society. The book delves into themes of polygamy, friendship, and the struggle for women's rights in a predominantly patriarchal society. It is a poignant examination of the personal and cultural conflicts faced by women in post-colonial Africa.
The 902nd Greatest Book of All Time
