Plot Summary

School Days

Patrick Chamoiseau
Guide cover placeholder

School Days

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

Book Brief

Patrick Chamoiseau

School Days

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

146

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Fort-de-France, Martinique • 1960s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

School Days, an autobiography by Patrick Chamoiseau, narrates his childhood experiences in French-run schools in Fort-de-France, Martinique, as he refers to himself as "The Little Boy." The story details his initial excitement about starting school, the harsh realities and cultural alienation he faces, his interactions with peers and teachers, and how his passion for reading and writing ultimately helps him endure and find hope amidst the challenges. Descriptions of punishments and bullying are present.

Contemplative

Emotional

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Informative

Reviews & Readership

3.8

367 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Patrick Chamoiseau's School Days is lauded for its poignant portrayal of childhood and colonial education in Martinique. Critics praise the lyrical prose and vivid imagery but note the narrative can be dense and challenging. While some find its introspective style captivating, others feel it disrupts the story's flow. Overall, it's a compelling but demanding read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read School Days?

A reader who enjoys School Days by Patrick Chamoiseau would appreciate lyrical prose and themes of childhood and education. Fans of the coming-of-age genre in Francophone literature, similar to those who enjoy Autobiography of My Mother by Jamaica Kincaid or The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, will find this book captivating.

3.8

367 ratings

65%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

146

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Fort-de-France, Martinique • 1960s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!