55 pages 1 hour read

Mariama Ba

So Long a Letter

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1979

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba depicts the life of Ramatoulaye, a teacher in Senegal, as she writes a heartfelt letter to her childhood friend Aissatou, who has moved to America. Through Ramatoulaye's reflections on her marriage, widowhood, and experiences with societal expectations, the novel explores themes of resilience, education, and the evolving roles of women in Senegalese society. The story includes themes of polygamy, marital infidelity, and out-of-wedlock pregnancy.

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: African

Gender / Feminism

History: World

Genre

Auto/Biographical Fiction

African Literature

African American Literature

Period

Heinemann African Writers