Scan barcode
A review by 2treads
So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ
challenging
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Bâ has written her character with heart and respect for the situation in which she finds herself. After losing her husband Ramatoulsye begins to reminisce through writing a letter to her dear friend of the trials and triumphs they both endured and overcame as women, wives and mothers.
She writes of harmful traditions and disregard for what a woman can contribute to not only her family but to society as well. We see the exploration of women's 'shelf life' and how the roles they play in many instances doesn't extend beyond the bounds of their home.
Bâ's novel is absolutely timeless as women are still facing many obstacles placed and interred by the patriarchy in attempts to hobble the progress and ascension of women into roles and spheres that they have labelled as being for 'men'.
What is clear in the voices and actions of Ramatoulaye and Aissatou is that being aware of the society and traditions in which they were born, they chose how to react, differently according to their situations and attitudes, in rebelling against what was done to and decided around and about them.
She writes of harmful traditions and disregard for what a woman can contribute to not only her family but to society as well. We see the exploration of women's 'shelf life' and how the roles they play in many instances doesn't extend beyond the bounds of their home.
Bâ's novel is absolutely timeless as women are still facing many obstacles placed and interred by the patriarchy in attempts to hobble the progress and ascension of women into roles and spheres that they have labelled as being for 'men'.
What is clear in the voices and actions of Ramatoulaye and Aissatou is that being aware of the society and traditions in which they were born, they chose how to react, differently according to their situations and attitudes, in rebelling against what was done to and decided around and about them.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity