55 pages • 1 hour read
So Long a Letter
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Book Brief
96
Novel • Fiction
Senegal • 1970s
1979
Adult
18+ years
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.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Informative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
11,261 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
11,261 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
96
Novel • Fiction
Senegal • 1970s
1979
Adult
18+ years
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