28 pages • 56 minutes read
Houseboy
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Book Brief
122
Novel • Fiction
Cameroon • 1950s
1956
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Houseboy by Ferdinand Oyono tells the story of Toundi Ondoua, a young man from rural Cameroon who becomes a houseboy for colonial masters in the city of Dangan. His journey exposes him to the stark contrasts between African and European cultures, ultimately leading to his involvement in affairs that highlight themes of trust, power, and identity, culminating in tragedy. The narrative addresses colonial oppression, racism, and violence.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ferdinand Oyono's Houseboy provides a poignant critique of colonialism through the diary of Toundi, a young Cameroonian. Praised for its vivid imagery and emotional depth, the novel highlights the dehumanizing effects of colonial rule. Some readers find its structure disjointed, but its powerful message and cultural insight resonate deeply.
Who Should Read Houseboy?
A reader who would enjoy Houseboy by Ferdinand Oyono is likely interested in postcolonial literature and African history. Comparable to Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's The River Between, they appreciate complex narratives about colonialism, identity, and cultural conflict. Enthusiasts of poignant, reflective storytelling will find it compelling.
Father Vandermayer
Father Vandermayer
A strict and feared priest at the Mission who takes charge after Father Gilbert's death, causing apprehension among the natives and Toundi.
Father Gilbert
Father Gilbert
A priest at Saint Peter’s Catholic Mission who takes Toundi under his wing, offering him a new life that includes education and a Christian name. He is kind but paternalistic in his behavior.
The Commandant
The Commandant
The authoritative European official in Dangan who employs Toundi as a houseboy. His relationship with Toundi changes with the arrival of his wife, Madame.
Madame
Madame
The Commandant's young and beautiful wife who captivates both the European and native populations in Dangan. Her arrival introduces significant changes to the household dynamics.
Sophie
Sophie
The African mistress of the agricultural engineer, who expresses a desire to escape her constrained life. Her actions later lead to unintended consequences for Toundi.
122
Novel • Fiction
Cameroon • 1950s
1956
Adult
18+ years
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