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Biography & Memoir· Guinea

The Dark Child

by Camara Laye
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1953French
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About This Book

The Dark Child by Camara Laye is a landmark work of biography & memoir, first published in 1953. The Dark Child is an autobiographical novel by Camara Laye, offering a vivid depiction of his childhood in Guinea. The book provides a rich narrative of traditional African life and customs, capturing the transition from boyhood to adulthood. It is celebrated for its lyrical prose and insightful portrayal of the cultural and social dynamics of Guinea, making it a significant work in African literature. Themes of childhood, cultural identity, tradition run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorCamara Laye
Published1953
Country of Origin🇬🇳 Guinea
LanguageFrench
Category✍️ Biography & Memoir
ISBN9780809015481
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

✍️ Biography & Memoir

True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

Explore all Biography & Memoir books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇳 Guinea

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

Explore books from Guinea →

Editorial Assessment

Camara Laye published The Dark Child in 1953, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of biography & memoir from Guinea. The book's treatment of childhood, cultural identity, tradition, colonialism accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Dark Child 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. What distinguishes The Dark Child is how it handles its central concerns — childhood, cultural identity, tradition, colonialism — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Within Guinea's literary landscape, Camara Laye occupies a significant position. The Dark Child 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

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20020
✍️
About the Author
Camara Laye
Guinea
View Author →

Camara Laye is a Guinea author whose work in biography & memoir has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Dark Child about?

The Dark Child is an autobiographical novel by Camara Laye, offering a vivid depiction of his childhood in Guinea. The book provides a rich narrative of traditional African life and customs, capturing the transition from boyhood to adulthood. It is celebrated for its lyrical prose and insightful portrayal of the cultural and social dynamics of Guinea, making it a significant work in African literature.

Who wrote The Dark Child?

The Dark Child was written by Camara Laye, from Guinea. First published in 1953.

What awards has The Dark Child won?

The Dark Child has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Dark Child worth reading?

The Dark Child 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 childhood, cultural identity, tradition.

Where can I buy The Dark Child?

You can buy The Dark Child on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Dark Child?

The Dark Child is classified as Biography & Memoir. True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

What country is The Dark Child from?

The Dark Child originates from Guinea's literary tradition. Explore more books from Guinea on our country page.

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