Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of Beyond the Rice Fields
Historical Fiction· Madagascar

Beyond the Rice Fields

by Naivo
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2012French
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Beyond the Rice Fields by Naivo is a landmark work of historical fiction, first published in 2012. Set in 19th-century Madagascar, 'Beyond the Rice Fields' is a poignant tale of love, slavery, and cultural upheaval. Through the intertwined lives of a slave and his master's daughter, Naivo explores the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of colonialism and the abolition of slavery. This novel is significant for its vivid portrayal of Malagasy history and its exploration of themes such as freedom and identity. Themes of slavery, colonialism, love run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorNaivo
Published2012
Country of Origin🇲🇬 Madagascar
LanguageFrench
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9781632061423
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇲🇬 Madagascar

This book is part of Madagascar's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Madagascar →

Editorial Assessment

Beyond the Rice Fields by Naivo sits within the tradition of historical fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2012 in Madagascar, it engages with slavery, colonialism, love, freedom in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Beyond the Rice Fields among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to Beyond the Rice Fields for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of slavery, colonialism, love, freedom is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within Madagascar's literary landscape, Naivo occupies a significant position. Beyond the Rice Fields is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
20170
✍️
About the Author
Naivo
Madagascar
View Author →

Naivo is a Madagascar author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Happy Employees
The Management Companion
Happy Employees
What Evolution Tells You About Leading People
Lead with human nature, and your team won’t just perform — they’ll thrive.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Tin Drum
literary-fiction

The Tin Drum

Günter Grass· 1999
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score98/100
Cover of Celestial Bodies
literary-fiction

Celestial Bodies

Jokha Alharthi· 2010
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score93/100
Cover of A Brief History of Seven Killings
literary-fiction

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Marlon James· 2015
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score89/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beyond the Rice Fields about?

Set in 19th-century Madagascar, 'Beyond the Rice Fields' is a poignant tale of love, slavery, and cultural upheaval. Through the intertwined lives of a slave and his master's daughter, Naivo explores the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of colonialism and the abolition of slavery. This novel is significant for its vivid portrayal of Malagasy history and its exploration of themes such as freedom and identity.

Who wrote Beyond the Rice Fields?

Beyond the Rice Fields was written by Naivo, from Madagascar. First published in 2012.

What awards has Beyond the Rice Fields won?

Beyond the Rice Fields has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Beyond the Rice Fields worth reading?

Beyond the Rice Fields is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in slavery, colonialism, love.

Where can I buy Beyond the Rice Fields?

You can buy Beyond the Rice Fields on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Beyond the Rice Fields?

Beyond the Rice Fields is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Beyond the Rice Fields from?

Beyond the Rice Fields originates from Madagascar's literary tradition. Explore more books from Madagascar on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

🗺️More Historical FictionBrowse all Historical Fiction books🇲🇬Books from Madagascar🇲🇬 Madagascar literature📅2010s BooksPublished in the 2010s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time