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So Long a Letter,New
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Written by awardwinning African novelist Mariama Ba and translated from the original French, So Long a Letter has been recognized as one of Africa's 100 Best Books of the 20th Century. The brief narrative, written as an extended letter, is a sequence of reminiscencessome wistful, some bitterrecounted by recently widowed Senegalese schoolteacher Ramatoulaye Fall. Addressed to a lifelong friend, Aissatou, it is a record of Ramatoulaye's emotional struggle for survival after her husband betrayed their marriage by taking a second wife. This semiautobiographical account is a perceptive testimony to the plight of educated and articulate Muslim women. Angered by the traditions that allow polygyny, they inhabit a social milieu dominated by attitudes and values that deny them status equal to men. Ramatoulaye hopes for a world where the best of old customs and new freedom can be combined.Considered a classic of contemporary African women's literature, So Long a Letter is a mustread for anyone interested in African literature and the passage from colonialism to modernism in a Muslim country.Winner of the prestigious Noma Award for Publishing in Africa. Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Beti (trans. Moore), The Poor Christ of Bomba (ISBN 9781577664185); Emecheta, Kehinde (ISBN 9781577664192); Equiano (ed. Edwards), Equiano's Travels (ISBN 9781577664871); La Guma, In the Fog of the Seasons' End (ISBN 9781478600251); Marechera, The House of Hunger (ISBN 9781478604730); and Oyono (trans. Reed), Houseboy (ISBN 9781577669883).
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- Q: What is 'So Long a Letter' about? A: 'So Long a Letter' is a semi-autobiographical narrative by Mariama Ba, written as an extended letter from a widowed Senegalese schoolteacher, Ramatoulaye Fall, to her friend Aissatou. It explores themes of betrayal, polygyny, and the emotional struggles faced by educated Muslim women in Senegal.
- Q: Who is the author of 'So Long a Letter'? A: The author of 'So Long a Letter' is Mariama Ba, an award-winning Senegalese novelist recognized for her contributions to African literature.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'So Long a Letter'? A: 'So Long a Letter' was published on May 20, 2012, and has since become a classic in contemporary African women's literature.
- Q: How many pages does 'So Long a Letter' have? A: 'So Long a Letter' contains 96 pages, making it a concise yet powerful read.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: 'So Long a Letter' is available in paperback binding, offering a flexible and durable format for readers.
- Q: Is 'So Long a Letter' suitable for educational purposes? A: Yes, 'So Long a Letter' is often included in educational curricula for its insights into gender issues, cultural practices, and the historical context of Senegal, making it a valuable resource for students.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: 'So Long a Letter' is listed as a new book, ensuring that readers receive a fresh and unmarked copy.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'So Long a Letter'? A: The book delves into themes such as betrayal, women's rights, cultural traditions, and the emotional resilience of women in Muslim societies.
- Q: Are there any related titles mentioned for further reading? A: Yes, related titles include 'Beti', 'The Poor Christ of Bomba', 'Kehinde', and 'Equiano's Travels', among others, which complement the themes explored in 'So Long a Letter'.
- Q: What awards has 'So Long a Letter' won? A: 'So Long a Letter' is the winner of the prestigious Noma Award for Publishing in Africa, highlighting its significance in African literature.