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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
I read this for the history lesson and found it extremely readable. The paperback I got from the library was typeset with tiny print, and that alone made me nervous about enjoying the book. To my delight, the story just flowed on. This is an English translation of a French version of an oral history. That is what makes me especially impressed with the storytelling. It is said that modern Western tradition scorns the oral history as "not good enough" with only written history as being accurate. We should know by now how biased the written history can often be - if not extremely often! Of course I had to learn the story of Sundiata from a written version. I do not know any Malian griots, and wouldn't understand their language if I did meet one. From what I have recently learned about griots, I can only show a great respect for them. That must be a massive effort to learn the history of one's people, maintain it, and then pass it on to the next generation. This book delivers an example of many griots labours.
Of course this book is also the story of one period in Mali's history. The country is suffering a lot these days from various wars and battles, but it has a lot of history that stretches far back in time. I feel lucky I can start to learn more about historical events that were never a part of my history lessons in school. I am sure some of my teachers would have had conniptions telling tales about magic in history lessons. Who cares. Learn to read it as real. Or learn to interpret it as a slight exaggeration to illustrate how a leader exhibited great power when he ruled. (I am talking about another king in this particular example and not Sundiata.) Through the art of storytelling, I find this history lesson far more digestible and memorable than some of the history lessons I sat through when I was in school!
Of course this book is also the story of one period in Mali's history. The country is suffering a lot these days from various wars and battles, but it has a lot of history that stretches far back in time. I feel lucky I can start to learn more about historical events that were never a part of my history lessons in school. I am sure some of my teachers would have had conniptions telling tales about magic in history lessons. Who cares. Learn to read it as real. Or learn to interpret it as a slight exaggeration to illustrate how a leader exhibited great power when he ruled. (I am talking about another king in this particular example and not Sundiata.) Through the art of storytelling, I find this history lesson far more digestible and memorable than some of the history lessons I sat through when I was in school!
Really enjoyed this although I found it difficult to follow the characters at times but I think that could be because it is better listened to than read
"...we are vessels of speech, we are the repositories which harbour secrets many centuries old. The art of eloquence has no secrets for us...we are the memories of mankind," (1)
adventurous
challenging
informative
slow-paced
It was interesting and i enjoyed the story of it. I saw it as a African Fairy tale equivalent to oedipus without the complex and Hercules in terms of people really look up and respecting him. Read it for my African civ class. Probably best book we were required to read.
An interesting look at Africa, African Myth, and African storytelling. I'm only disappointed that it took me so long to read it. A great story.
Amazing!!! The best book I have read in a long time. This book was very well written (Though technically it was told by a griot, not really written). I loved learning about the story of Sundiata, the king who founded the Mali empire. In between readings I was looking up other great kings and queens of Africa. This is definitely a book I will remember forever... the catalysts of knowledge for me.
adventurous
informative
reflective
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Sexual assault
Sundiata and Percy Jackson both were children with disabilities who become favored by the gods and save the world... that is all I'm saying...