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Cover of The Devil that Danced on the Water
Biography & Memoir· Sierra Leone

The Devil that Danced on the Water

by Aminatta Forna
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
#136,752of 99,626 books
Published 2002English
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About This Book

Published in 2002, The Devil that Danced on the Water established Aminatta Forna as one of the defining voices in biography & memoir. Aminatta Forna's memoir is a profound exploration of her father's life and the political turmoil in Sierra Leone. Through personal narrative and historical context, Forna delves into the events leading to her father's execution, offering a poignant insight into the country's complex political landscape. The book is both a personal journey and a broader commentary on justice and familial bonds. Themes of political turmoil, family legacy, justice run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorAminatta Forna
Published2002
Country of Origin🇸🇱 Sierra Leone
LanguageEnglish
Category✍️ Biography & Memoir
ISBN9780802140243
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

🇸🇱 Sierra Leone

This book is part of Sierra Leone's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Sierra Leone →

Editorial Assessment

The Devil that Danced on the Water by Aminatta Forna sits within the tradition of biography & memoir that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2002 in Sierra Leone, it engages with political turmoil, family legacy, justice, memory in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of The Devil that Danced on the Water lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of political turmoil, family legacy, justice, memory is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Aminatta Forna's role in the literature of Sierra Leone is well established. The Devil that Danced on the Water can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
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
notable · global
20020
✍️
About the Author
Aminatta Forna
Sierra Leone
View Author →

Aminatta Forna is a Sierra Leone author whose work in biography & memoir has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Devil that Danced on the Water about?

Aminatta Forna's memoir is a profound exploration of her father's life and the political turmoil in Sierra Leone. Through personal narrative and historical context, Forna delves into the events leading to her father's execution, offering a poignant insight into the country's complex political landscape. The book is both a personal journey and a broader commentary on justice and familial bonds.

Who wrote The Devil that Danced on the Water?

The Devil that Danced on the Water was written by Aminatta Forna, from Sierra Leone. First published in 2002.

What awards has The Devil that Danced on the Water won?

The Devil that Danced on the Water has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Devil that Danced on the Water worth reading?

The Devil that Danced on the Water 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 political turmoil, family legacy, justice.

Where can I buy The Devil that Danced on the Water?

You can buy The Devil that Danced on the Water on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Devil that Danced on the Water?

The Devil that Danced on the Water is classified as Biography & Memoir. True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

What country is The Devil that Danced on the Water from?

The Devil that Danced on the Water originates from Sierra Leone's literary tradition. Explore more books from Sierra Leone on our country page.

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