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Classic Literature· Senegal

So Long a Letter

by Mariama Bâ
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1979French
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About This Book

Few works of classic literature have earned the sustained critical attention that So Long a Letter (1979) by Mariama Bâ continues to receive. So Long a Letter is a seminal work in African literature, offering a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by women in post-colonial Senegal. Through a series of letters, the protagonist, Ramatoulaye, reflects on her life, marriage, and the societal expectations of women. The book is celebrated for its insightful critique of gender roles and its powerful narrative voice. Themes of gender roles, marriage, friendship run through the work. The book has received recognition from Noma Award for Publishing in Africa 1980.

Book Details

AuthorMariama Bâ
Published1979
Country of Origin🇸🇳 Senegal
LanguageFrench
Category🏛️ Classic Literature
ISBN9780435905552
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🏛️ Classic Literature

Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.

Explore all Classic Literature books →
Country of Origin

🇸🇳 Senegal

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

Explore books from Senegal →

Editorial Assessment

Mariama Bâ published So Long a Letter in 1979, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of classic literature from Senegal. The book's treatment of gender roles, marriage, friendship, post-colonialism accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed So Long a Letter among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Noma Award for Publishing in Africa 1980. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes So Long a Letter is how it handles its central concerns — gender roles, marriage, friendship, post-colonialism — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. So Long a Letter reflects Mariama Bâ'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

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20020
✍️
About the Author
Mariama Bâ
Senegal
View Author →

Mariama Bâ is a Senegal author whose work in classic literature has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is So Long a Letter about?

So Long a Letter is a seminal work in African literature, offering a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by women in post-colonial Senegal. Through a series of letters, the protagonist, Ramatoulaye, reflects on her life, marriage, and the societal expectations of women. The book is celebrated for its insightful critique of gender roles and its powerful narrative voice.

Who wrote So Long a Letter?

So Long a Letter was written by Mariama Bâ, from Senegal. First published in 1979.

What awards has So Long a Letter won?

So Long a Letter has received the following recognition: Noma Award for Publishing in Africa 1980.

Is So Long a Letter worth reading?

So Long a Letter 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 gender roles, marriage, friendship.

Where can I buy So Long a Letter?

You can buy So Long a Letter on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is So Long a Letter?

So Long a Letter is classified as Classic Literature. Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.

What country is So Long a Letter from?

So Long a Letter originates from Senegal's literary tradition. Explore more books from Senegal on our country page.

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