Phyllis's comments (member since Oct 11, 2009)

Phyllis's comments from the Great African Reads group.

Marieke wrote: "Phyllis wrote: "I finished the book last night and thoughts are still forming. I suppose I should try to imagine the author's audience (The French) and the era in which this book was written (1920..."

LOL - I'm of the same mindset as you re: this novel -- thoughts are still scattered and I thought about re-reading passages to gain greater understanding -- but quickly decided against it.

Admittedly, my exposure to French novels is limited; outside of this one, I've read the translations of Maryse Conde's works and they are of a different era and aren't overly simplistic at all.

I agree re: the flat characters -- very little depth or breadth -- rather dull, imo. Your comment echoes another reader's question re: how Africans were portrayed and/or perceived during this era -- did this work show a different view or reinforce existing perceptions.

I'll have to check out the Titley book as time permits.

I finished the book last night and thoughts are still forming. I suppose I should try to imagine the author's audience (The French) and the era in which this book was written (1920's) in order to appreciate its offerings -- the detailed description of the environmental surroundings, indigenous food/diet, daily snapshots of village life, societal attitudes regarding gender roles and responsibilities, etc. At the time, this novel might have been fodder to fuel the European's interest in African life (I'm guessing here).

The author wastes no time getting to the point: Batouala's reflective rants about the European's work ethic, clothing, appearance, vices, technology/devices, and morals clearly illustrate their chasm between the cultures; each side dismissing the other's system of beliefs/traditions and neither side is interested in bridging the gap. Batouala seemed to fear and loathe the "heartless, lying, and cruel" Europeans for disruption of village life and customs as he (and his ancestors) knew it and for the implied ills that colonization brings to his land. He clearly resented the European.

As for the writing -- the prose was simplistic (reflecting the African lifestyle perhaps)? I found most of the characters to be a bit skeletal -- not too much "meat" on any of them; all were flawed (pride/arrogance, lust, jealousy, etc)-- I guess intentionally so to illustrate their humanity (I'm guessing again). The novel ended abruptly and I was left thinking, "is this it?" It was not a good feeling.

I'm not sure if the book conjures the same passionate and urgent rally to end colonization found in the foreword but I think there is (some) support for this cause within the pages via Batouala's thoughts and condemnations -- because one theme was persistent from beginning to end: Bataouala consistently holds to his resentment of the whites until his dying breath.

Off to read and reply to earlier posts....

Andrea wrote: "Welcome, Phyliss!"

Thank you - seems like a great group of people and I'm looking forward to contributing.

Andrea wrote: "I'm also confused because the opening seems to suggest that this book will be largely about the problems caused by French colonialism and how Africans feel about that. But the only time it really ..."

I'm new to the group and just read the Preface and first chapter via Google books (it's free) and my library didn't have the book. I agree with your assessment because after reading the preface, I would think the novel would highlight the negatives of colonization or at least the devastating effects it caused the Africans.

I'll keep reading -- but will admit, I'll be slightly disappointed if it fails at this (implied) objective.