Book review.
by Tsholofelo Mokgabudi
For the past 2 months, I have had the honour of exploring African literature and that has ignited my love for truly authentic African stories told by African authors. One novel which I was able to read was So Long a Letter and after weeks of reading, dissecting and writing numerous essays on this novel for my English literature module, I thought I should share my thoughts and opinions on this beautiful and empowering story.
So Long a Letter is an epistolary novel by Mariama Bâ which details the intimate recount by Ramatoulaye to her friend Aissatou about her marriage and experiences as a woman living in post-colonial Senegal. Bâ brings the book to life with her impressive and detailed writing style and does not fail to illustrate the story through the lens of understanding and empathy. The book addresses social issues that are faced by women and depicts the marginalization of women enforced by the patriarchal society. The novel also details the friendship and connection between the two women who face similar issues and witness changes as they both navigate through their own worlds.
During a time when Senegal was in early post-colonialism there were many changes which played a role in altering the lives of people through the societal, economic and political lens. However, the evident contradiction of the progression of modernity and the stagnant cultural views and tradition reveals the systemic residual effects of colonialism. Which in part, still affects women to this day.
"We were full of nostalgia but were resolutely progressive.’’
- Chapter 8, Ramatoulaye
The closeness and connection between the two women overcomes the distance between them. With Aissatou being in the United States of America, after leaving her husband to pursue her own independence, this letter is written to someone who does not currently share the experiences of women in Senegal. However, she is able to experience a sense of connection to the place that was once her home through the details shared in the letter. Both have the mutual understanding of their shared realities and are able to provide comfort for each other.
As the reader, one is welcomed to experience their intimate friendship as Ramatoulaye shares intricate details about her life with her. This in some way highlights the importance of unity amongst women in finding comfort from the oppressive systems which have been set to stand against our progress and liberation.
Education and marriage are also the main themes in the novel which Bâ does not fail to link so delicately. These factors allow us to explore how the women lived, further understand the ways in which they were marginalized and the responsibilities that they had to fulfill. In the novel, Ramatoulaye was a woman who was both married and educated, Binetou was a young woman who left her education for marriage and Aissatou left her marriage to pursue her education further. Ramatoulaye chooses to stay in her marriage as she honours her role as a wife and her commitment and promise to the covenant as a woman of Islamic faith. Her respect for her union and her love for her religion are the reasons she chooses to stay in a polygamous marriage until the death of her husband.
To stand against the patriarchal system and also ensure that we do not stop until we have broken all the chains of oppression and achieve equality between men and women.
This novel forms part of the cornerstone of the African feminist movement and breaks so many barriers through the reminders which are depicted by the experiences of these women. To be brave, to embrace the complexities of existing as a woman in this world and succeeding regardless of the barriers that stand against you. The relevance of this novel is highlighted in the issues discussed and it is even more important today as we continue to fight for the liberation of so many women. To stand against the patriarchal system and also ensure that we do not stop until we have broken all the chains of oppression and achieve equality between men and women.
It brings attention to the world that continues to change but fails to remember to allow women the same privilege.
This novel tackles various issues that women still face even in modern society. However, we are inspired by the determination and strength depicted by these women. There are so many harsh realities that women face and have to be subjected to and this fictional novel does not fail to highlight the true experiences of many women who can relate to the lives of those in So Long a Letter. It brings attention to the world that continues to change but fails to remember to allow women the same privilege. Mariama Bâ inspired thousands, if not millions, of women to see that their responsibility, both within their own spaces and in their world, is to live as authentically as they are because there is so much power in being free.
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