The Beggars' Strike by Aminata Sow Fall
L'Appel des Arènes
The novel is a satirical exploration of a West African city where the local government decides to rid the streets of beggars, only to find that their absence disrupts the social order. The city's residents, who once relied on giving alms to the beggars as a means of securing their own spiritual salvation, are thrown into a moral crisis. The beggars, organized by a shrewd and charismatic leader, leverage their importance in the community and initiate a strike, refusing to accept alms, which leads to unforeseen consequences for the city's economy and the citizens' sense of identity. The story delves into themes of power, tradition, and the complex role of beggary in society, challenging the readers' perceptions of charity and social justice.
The 3563rd greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1979
- Nationality
- Senegalese
- Length
- Very Short
- Pages
- 104
- Original Language
- French
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- Alternate Titles
- - La Grève des Bàttu
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 500 Great Books by Women (Book)
- Africa's 100 Best Books of the 20th Century (Zimbabwe International Book Fair)