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Historical Fiction· Senegal

God's Bits of Wood

by Ousmane Sembène
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1960French
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About This Book

God's Bits of Wood by Ousmane Sembène is a landmark work of historical fiction, first published in 1960. God's Bits of Wood is a powerful novel that depicts the 1947-48 railway strike in colonial Senegal and Mali. Through a multi-perspective narrative, Sembène highlights the struggles and resilience of the workers and their families. The novel is acclaimed for its vivid portrayal of colonial oppression and its celebration of collective action and solidarity. Themes of colonialism, resistance, community run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorOusmane Sembène
Published1960
Country of Origin🇸🇳 Senegal
LanguageFrench
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780435909598
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

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

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Country of Origin

🇸🇳 Senegal

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

Explore books from Senegal →

Editorial Assessment

Ousmane Sembène published God's Bits of Wood in 1960, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from Senegal. The book's treatment of colonialism, resistance, community, social justice accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes God's Bits of Wood is how it handles its central concerns — colonialism, resistance, community, social justice — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. God's Bits of Wood reflects Ousmane Sembène's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Senegal's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
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

TIME 100 Best Novels
list · global
20050
✍️
About the Author
Ousmane Sembène
Senegal
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Ousmane Sembène is a Senegal author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is God's Bits of Wood about?

God's Bits of Wood is a powerful novel that depicts the 1947-48 railway strike in colonial Senegal and Mali. Through a multi-perspective narrative, Sembène highlights the struggles and resilience of the workers and their families. The novel is acclaimed for its vivid portrayal of colonial oppression and its celebration of collective action and solidarity.

Who wrote God's Bits of Wood?

God's Bits of Wood was written by Ousmane Sembène, from Senegal. First published in 1960.

What awards has God's Bits of Wood won?

God's Bits of Wood has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is God's Bits of Wood worth reading?

God's Bits of Wood 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 colonialism, resistance, community.

Where can I buy God's Bits of Wood?

You can buy God's Bits of Wood on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is God's Bits of Wood?

God's Bits of Wood is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is God's Bits of Wood from?

God's Bits of Wood originates from Senegal's literary tradition. Explore more books from Senegal on our country page.

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