42 pages 1 hour read

Maryse Condé

Crossing the Mangrove

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Crossing the Mangrove by Maryse Condé, originally published in French and translated to English by Richard Philcox, begins with the murder of Francis Sancher. Villagers in Rivière au Sel gather for his wake, sharing perspectives on his life, their community, and uncovering the mystery behind his return. Themes of class, race, and gender are deeply explored. The book includes depictions of racism, ableism, anti-gay bias, non-consensual abortion attempts, misogyny, incest, sexual assault, and other sensitive topics.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Maryse Condé's novel Crossing the Mangrove is praised for its rich, multi-voiced narrative and vivid portrayal of Guadeloupean culture. Readers appreciate its deep exploration of identity and community dynamics. However, some found the fragmented storytelling style challenging, potentially hindering engagement. Overall, it’s a compelling, thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Crossing the Mangrove?

Readers who enjoy Crossing the Mangrove by Maryse Condé are often intrigued by complex narratives exploring themes of community, identity, and cultural intersectionality. Fans of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Toni Morrison's Beloved will likely appreciate Condé's intricate storytelling and rich character development.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Afro-Caribbean Literature

Education

Themes

Identity: Race

Society: Colonialism

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Topics

Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

Education

History: World