55 pages 1 hour read

Mariama Ba

So Long a Letter

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1979

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Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Mariama Ba's So Long a Letter is lauded for its evocative depiction of the emotional struggles faced by Senegalese women. Reviews commend its powerful narrative and candid examination of polygamy and societal expectations. Some critics note its heavy reliance on cultural context may challenge unfamiliar readers, but its evocative prose and themes of resilience resonate universally.

Who should read this

Who Should Read So Long a Letter?

A reader who would enjoy So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba appreciates feminist literature exploring themes of gender, culture, and tradition in post-colonial Africa. Similar to fans of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun or Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions, they seek powerful insights into women's lives and societal dynamics.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics
History: African
Gender / Feminism
Genre
Auto/Biographical Fiction
African Literature
Period
Heinemann African Writers