Celebrated International Classics: African Literature, Mariama Bâ

Bienvenu! To the trained eye, you’ve already deciphered the romanticized language of French. Très bon! Sharing such aptitude, it is also my assumption that you’re well aware that French is the official/co-official language of twenty-nine countries worldwide. Included amongst the twenty-nine is the proud republic of Senegal located in western Africa.

This country marks the next destination of our grand literature expedition across the world where we will revel in the literary arts by acclaimed author Mariama Bâ. Bâ (1929 – 1981) was the inspirational voice of a generation, born from a Muslim Lebou family in the city of Dakar, she would be destined to fuel the fight for the women’s movement in recognition of outstanding issues.

Her literary craft would become beloved by many and the speaking point for gender studies as she incorporated the rootedness of cultural horizons as well as the prospect of reconciliation arisen from suffrage. Our literary safari continues with So Long a Letter, originally written in French and translated to English. A recount of experiences told by Ramatoulaye, a Senegalese woman, in a letter to an old friend living in America. Here is a short synopsis (slight spoiler warning) accompanied by my initial impressions.

The story begins with Ramatoulaye revealing the passing of her estranged husband, Modou. She can’t help but try to make sense of the stirring of mixed emotions on the drive over to confirm the deceased’s identity. In keeping with Muslim traditions, she observes a mirasse (a state of mourning and isolation for forty days) during which the premise of the story occurs, all written in a diary intended to be sent to her fiend Aissatou.

The pain however is not quick to subside as she is also obligated to host all mourners and immediate family within her home. To my surprise the household practices polygamy, and I couldn’t help but sympathize with Ramatoulaye as co-wife Binetou and her selfish mother reaped most condolences and gifts (mostly bank notes).

It’s strange though. Ramatoulaye and her relationship with Modou had been on a rapid decline. What once started as a roaring passion the likes many would dream for was soon brushed off as a sudden loss of interest. Could her children and the fond memories of when their love flourished be all that could keep Ramatoulaye pushing forward?

It is my hope that the reader will conduct further research into the Muslim culture as well as the dynamics of familial relations in the practice of polygamy to gain greater insight and how it could apply to the story.

Ramatoulaye spends countless hours pondering as to what could have caused this outcome. She thinks back to recall the protest brought on by her family in marrying Modou. The story then veers off discussing the parallels in Aissatou’s marital life, one that failed against the test of time. How unfortunate that these two friends, separated miles away, would be fighting a similar battle without the immediate comfort of one another’s company. This information serves a vital role to the story as readers are then introduced to Ramatoulaye’s daughter Daba who, in a shocking twist, innocently befriends a character ensuring a thickened plot for all.

In my opinion, I believe this mode of storytelling through multiple perspectives symbolizes the inherent struggles spanning across multiple generations, not only for women’s suffrage, but also for others of various creeds, orientations, nationalities, idealizations, etc.

so long a letter

I shall leave it there with my hopes that you’ll continue to read the story, or search on SparkNotes if you cannot contain your excitement. I guarantee you that this brief segmented synopsis of the beginning contains more twist and memorable moments sure to remain ingrained in your mind for days.

Overall, I personally enjoyed the brilliant writings of Mariama Bâ. How tragic it is that we won’t be able to read more than three of her literary works (Scarlet Song and Lit Une Si Longue Lettre: Advanced Placement in case the literary astute are curious), but nonetheless the experience of reading through them is always worth cherishing.

Ready yourself and steel your nerves! Our next destination awaits us in the mystical East. How we’ll be traveling around is an interesting story all on its own. I’ll see you in Beijing.