Oyono: Une Vie De Boy and Le Vieux Negre Et La Medaille

by Patrick Corcoran

Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Magic Renart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quotidien d'un jeune africain travaillant comme garçon à tout faire au service d'un commandant pendant la période coloniale.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read one of the French editions with only Une Vie de Boy. It is another sad story of colonial oppression from the specific viewpoint of an individual caught up in a couple's private life. Even the "invisible servants" get picked on for existing and shaming their masters by observing their behavior. The kicker is that the colonial police and administrators control the so-called justice system.

Is there any culture that does not dominate, subjugate or murder the people who are different -- conquering them body and soul?

This is an important piece of literature about Africa (Cameroon) and a less than rosy peek at French culture.