Xala [Paperback]

Ousmane Sembene (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1997

A biting satire about the downfall of a businessman-polygamist who assumes the role of the colonialist in French-speaking Africa.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: Lawrence Hill Books (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556520700
• ISBN-13: 978-1556520709
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Xala - a satire on the nouvelle bourgeoisie, March 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Xala (Paperback)

The main protagonist, a member of the nouvelle bourgeoisie who lives up to the values of the former French colonists, marries his third wife - but in the wedding night he loses his virility. Whatever he tries to regain it - he is not successful until he returns to his own roots which are the roots of his people. A remarkable novel which shows a completely different world.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Simple but Worthwhile African Story, May 12, 2007

By 

M. Birtwhistle (Petersburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Xala (Paperback)

The story covers an array of cultural influences that play into daily life of the Niger Delta region of Africa. The complexities of an infantile African society trying to find its identity in the post-colonial disaster, left behind when the mother-country abandoned it, are highlighted but often are left undeveloped. The story and characters often appear underdeveloped and left me wishing the author had more deeply explored the social structure surrounding the main story line. The main religious subject of the story has more to do with the Muslim influences of the region, rather than traditionally African religious and social customs; but the juxtaposition of Muslim and colonial culture to natural African culture is the main overt subject of the story.

Overall, if you are interested in post-colonial Niger Delta region African society you will be treated to a unique perspective and some insight into the cultural influences of the region. The story is worth reading just for the fact that it is part of a young, but maturing literary history in Africa.

I gave four stars due to the overall subject of African cultural affairs. But would give the writing, story and character development a three and a half.

2 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I have seen the movie XALA not read the book....., September 15, 2001

By 

Tione Chilambe "Titi" (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Xala (Paperback)

and I was not impressed by it. The depth of the issues was not tackled in a deep soul seaching way. Much as the movie was done more that 20 years ago, the issues are the same today. It is sad that in such a polygamist setting the voices of the women was not actually heard effectively. The Male character was not given a chance to develop and give a good justfication for taking a second wife or even a third wife, instead it was just presented as greed... simple selfish greed, which i found utterly simplistic and patronizing. I am sure there is more to this story than that. Its nevertheless kind of refreshing.