- Library Binding
- Publisher: Topeka Bindery (Jan 1954)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1417650982
- ISBN-13: 978-1417650989
- Product Dimensions: 21 x 14.6 x 1.9 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
L'Enfant noir is considered one of the top novels of modern African literature. It's Camara Laye's autobiography. Set in northeastern Guinea (then part of French West Africa) in the early 1950s, the first part of the book deals mainly with the Camara's youth and growing-up in a small village where age-old traditions were still very strong. It paints a vivid picture of what life was like in a West African village hardly at all touched by western influence. It's fascinating for those who have never been to Africa and hits close to home for those who have. One of the more interesting parts of the book is Camara's recounting of the circumcision ceremony which, in his Malinké culture (as in many other African cultures), occurs in his teenage years. The second half of the book deals with the struggle he deals with when offered a scholarship to study in the national capital. It's a somewhat classic dilemna of wanting to stay in familiar circumstances and wanting to do something exciting and promising; to say nothing of the incredible culture shock of going from a tiny village in the bush to the cosmopolitan (at the time) national capital. So although the details may differ, the debate Laye has with himself and his family will ring true to many readers. It's a very beautiful book both in its content and the way its written. High recommended.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I unexpectedly came across this gem of a book and have been recommending it ever since to all and sundry. It is a thought-provoking insight into a little-known life and culture, written concisely and almost poetically - a joy to read and read again. It draws you into one man's life that leaves you feeling connected with a way of life that can never be recreated or experienced at first hand. I just wish I had met the man himself. I just hope it will never go out of print.
2 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A 1st person look at village life in Africa. A boy must choose between his family and school. The story of Camara Laye and his life in Karoussa and Conakry. Rituals of a people.
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