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mscalls's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death, Misogyny, and Grief
Minor: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
careinthelibrary's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This morning I finished So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ for @esotericareads's book club where we've read women-authored classics under 250 pages. This petite novella (90 pages!) speaks loudly the talents of the author. The book club ends strong with this small one.
The writing!!! Outstanding. Striking. I was explaining to my husband how remarkably thoughtful every passage was, did a test flipping to random pages and reading from the first paragraph on the page. Every single one was a jewel.
Senegalese feminist writer Mariama Bâ needs more praise. Give her her flowers. I can't wait to read Scarlet Song which I feel confident will also be awe-inspiring.
"At that moment you tumbled from the highest rung of respect on which I have always placed you. Your reasoning, which makes a distinction, is unacceptable to me. I am stripping myself of your love, your name. Clothed in my dignity, the only worthy garment, I go my way."
"The power of books, this marvellous invention of astute human intelligence. Various signs associated with sounds that form a word. Juxtaposition of words which springs the idea, Thought, History, Science, Life. Sole instrument of interrelationships and of culture, unparalleled means of giving and receiving. Books knit generations together in the same continuing effort that leads to progress. They enabled you to better yourself. What society refused you, they granted."
"Friendship has splendours that love knows not. It grows stronger when crossed, whereas obstacles kill love. Friendship resists time, which wearies and severs couples. It has heights unknown to love."
The writing!!! Outstanding. Striking. I was explaining to my husband how remarkably thoughtful every passage was, did a test flipping to random pages and reading from the first paragraph on the page. Every single one was a jewel.
Senegalese feminist writer Mariama Bâ needs more praise. Give her her flowers. I can't wait to read Scarlet Song which I feel confident will also be awe-inspiring.
"At that moment you tumbled from the highest rung of respect on which I have always placed you. Your reasoning, which makes a distinction, is unacceptable to me. I am stripping myself of your love, your name. Clothed in my dignity, the only worthy garment, I go my way."
"The power of books, this marvellous invention of astute human intelligence. Various signs associated with sounds that form a word. Juxtaposition of words which springs the idea, Thought, History, Science, Life. Sole instrument of interrelationships and of culture, unparalleled means of giving and receiving. Books knit generations together in the same continuing effort that leads to progress. They enabled you to better yourself. What society refused you, they granted."
"Friendship has splendours that love knows not. It grows stronger when crossed, whereas obstacles kill love. Friendship resists time, which wearies and severs couples. It has heights unknown to love."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Infidelity
Moderate: Pregnancy and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Death
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