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Cover of The Old Man and the Medal
Classic Literature· Cameroon

The Old Man and the Medal

by Ferdinand Oyono
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1956French
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About This Book

When Ferdinand Oyono published The Old Man and the Medal in 1956, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of classic literature. This novel tells the story of Meka, an elderly African man who is awarded a medal by the colonial government for his loyalty. However, the ceremony and its aftermath reveal the deep-seated racism and hypocrisy of the colonial regime. Oyono uses satire and humor to expose the absurdities of colonial rule and the disillusionment of those who once believed in its promises. Themes of colonialism, disillusionment, racism run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorFerdinand Oyono
Published1956
Country of Origin🇨🇲 Cameroon
LanguageFrench
Category🏛️ Classic Literature
ISBN9780435905337
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

🇨🇲 Cameroon

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

Explore books from Cameroon →

Editorial Assessment

The Old Man and the Medal by Ferdinand Oyono sits within the tradition of classic literature that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1956 in Cameroon, it engages with colonialism, disillusionment, racism, loyalty in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. 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 0 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes The Old Man and the Medal is how it handles its central concerns — colonialism, disillusionment, racism, loyalty — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Ferdinand Oyono's role in the literature of Cameroon is well established. The Old Man and the Medal 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 multiple 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.
✍️
About the Author
Ferdinand Oyono
Cameroon
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Ferdinand Oyono is a Cameroon author whose work in classic literature has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Old Man and the Medal about?

This novel tells the story of Meka, an elderly African man who is awarded a medal by the colonial government for his loyalty. However, the ceremony and its aftermath reveal the deep-seated racism and hypocrisy of the colonial regime. Oyono uses satire and humor to expose the absurdities of colonial rule and the disillusionment of those who once believed in its promises.

Who wrote The Old Man and the Medal?

The Old Man and the Medal was written by Ferdinand Oyono, from Cameroon. First published in 1956.

What awards has The Old Man and the Medal won?

The Old Man and the Medal has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Old Man and the Medal worth reading?

The Old Man and the Medal 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, disillusionment, racism.

Where can I buy The Old Man and the Medal?

You can buy The Old Man and the Medal on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Old Man and the Medal?

The Old Man and the Medal is classified as Classic Literature. Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.

What country is The Old Man and the Medal from?

The Old Man and the Medal originates from Cameroon's literary tradition. Explore more books from Cameroon on our country page.

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