51 pages • 1 hour read
A Question of Power
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.
Book Brief
206
Novel • Fiction
Botswana • 1960s
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In A Question of Power by Bessie Head, Elizabeth, a woman who has left apartheid South Africa, battles her mental health and navigates the nature of good and evil through surreal and nightmarish experiences in Botswana. Elizabeth’s fragmented journey alternates between delusion and reality as she copes with her past trauma and current challenges, learning about power and evil through supernatural encounters. The book features anti-Black racism, anti-gay representations, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicide ideation, and psychological trauma.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,084 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Question of Power by Bessie Head offers a powerful exploration of mental illness, identity, and colonialism. Reviewers praise its intense and lyrical prose, commending Head's ability to navigate complex themes deeply and authentically. Some readers, however, find the narrative challenging due to its fragmented structure and abstract style. Overall, it's a compelling yet demanding read.
Who Should Read A Question of Power?
A reader passionate about exploring complex themes of identity, mental health, and post-colonial Africa will be captivated by Bessie Head's A Question of Power. Fans of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions will particularly enjoy this intricate and deeply personal narrative.
1,084 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sello
Sello
A dynamic character serving as both a spiritual mentor and an antagonist to Elizabeth, appearing as a wise monk and influencing her spiritual journey.
Dan
Dan
An antagonist and foil to Sello and Elizabeth, known for his extreme sexuality and tormenting behavior.
Medusa
Medusa
A femme fatale character with a powerful and manipulative presence, known for her seductive and destructive influence.
The Small Boy (Shorty)
The Small Boy (Shorty)
Elizabeth's innocent and curious son, who remains unaffected by the tumultuous events in Elizabeth's internal world.
Kenosi
Kenosi
A reliable and insightful friend of Elizabeth who works with her in the garden and offers steadfast support.
Tom
Tom
An idealistic American friend of Elizabeth, engaged in complex discussions about politics and her spiritual journey, without a romantic or sexual relationship.
The “Nice-Time Girls”
The “Nice-Time Girls”
A group of sex workers controlled by Dan, representing complex dynamics of control and agency within the story.
206
Novel • Fiction
Botswana • 1960s
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.