Customer Reviews

Segu

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

"Segu" is a very good historical novel, one of the few that are set in Africa's historical past (circa 1800-1860). The novel's protagonists are an aristocratic family in the empire of Segu (now part of Mali) swept up in the historical currents of the time: Islam, Christianity, European imperialism, and the Atlantic Slave trade. As with "Roots", the story is told from the African perspective, which is refreshing and much needed. The novel is well written and filled with abundant historical detail. There are many deatils here that a student might research in a library, for example: the different lifestyles of the Fulani and Bambara and relations between them; the "Brazilians" in Africa, former slaves from South America that managed to return to Africa; the socio-economic status of Africans of mixed-(European and African) ancestry.

It seems a pity that many young people are forced to read this book in school; hopefully they will return to it when they have the maturity to understand and appreciate it.

I fell in love with the main character. His adventures and misfortunes kept me intrigued. I learned so much about the land and the structures of the different tribes and kingdoms, that I have used the book for reference. I spoke with Ms Conde and told her I was disappointed with the fate of one character and she merely said, "It had to happen." I felt the heat of the land and the warmth of characters and the deep belief in the different faiths of the many regions she covered. This is a must read.

What an excellent way to incorporate history and anthropology into fiction! I believe that "Segu" is extremely suitable for many history classes as well as literature classes. Often we read history books that become dry and tell us events in chronological order without making the past become real and believable. But "Segu" really captures the reader and provides a very deep insight into the conflict that Islam's jihad, slavery and the 19th century in general brought to Northern Africa. From a historian's point of view, I cannot praise 'Segu' enough; however, there are parts where the quality of fiction sways slightly. The reader feels much closer to the male characters, especially because the fate of the daughters is completely ignored whereas the story keeps on picking up the course of male lives. It would have been very different and also very interesting to see that portion of history through the eyes of the mothers, sisters and wives. On one hand, it makes sense to consider the women as marginal characters because after all, their decisions and opinions were often "less important". But on the other hand, there are other ways of making the gender relationship known. I definetely felt that the female characters hardly developed, whereas the personality of the male characters evolved gradually and very realistically.

A magnificent source I'd highly recommend is the two book series by the title of "Segu" written by Maryse Conde (great writer) and translated by Barbara Bray. These are 'James Mitchner' type novels, based on historical facts and figures intertwined in an engrossing story that spans several decades/centuries of Africa's rich history. An engrossing, well written, educating, addictive read

Amazing in it's historical scope and accuracy, this book pulls one into the life of early West Africa. One of the best books I've ever read.

Most of the non-African world is at least slightly familiar with the story of the slave trade . . . but usually starting with the future slaves being loaded onto boats in Africa. What's missing is the highly developed, sophisticated societies and cultures from which these individuals were taken. In addition, nearly all English language historical fiction takes place in Europe . . . but at similar periods of time in Africa there were equally dramatic wars, rises and falls of kingdoms, royal love stories and scandals, brilliant generals and conniving merchants . . . but we haven't heard about them. This book corrects that. Particularly interesting to me was the struggle between the old fetish religion and the new Islamic faith, mirroring the struggle behind paganism and Christianity in Europe. The visit to this world is un-missable.

Segu is a masterfully told story of W. Africa during the transition from tribal life, through the first interaction with Europeans, slavery, the New World, and back. Highly recommended.

I was forced to read this book for a class, and maybe if I had picked it up with the romantic notion I would learn something, I would have been slightly less disappointed.

The goal of our reading this book was to break down sterotypes. In breaking the stereotype of East Africa as an undeveloped region, it creates an array of images of a savage rape filled culture.

As far as the reviews: Africa does not have a soul nor does any inanimate object. It does not, I am afraid inject, density into history, I would argue the latter.

If you are a dreamer and enjoy histrical FICTION read this book you might enjoy it.

Dear Fellow Readers,

If you have heard that Segu was a good novel, boy were you wrong. I am a 10th grader at a Boston Public school and I have been forced to read this book. I love the idea of getting to learn more about the ancient African culture, but this book does not help me out at all. The book has to many characters, and often makes the reader distinguish what's the role of each charter. I think that the book is a strong resource for adults, who want to learn more about Ancient Africa, but it shouldn't be forced on high school students. I was an honor roll student last year, but I am afraid that I will get a "C" or a "D" this year. Thank you Maryse Conde for ruining my almost perfect grades.