Read The World - Mali - Bound to Violence

 Book: Bound to Violence

Author: Yambo Ouologuem

Pages: 182

Book takes place in the country: YES

Author is from the country: YES

I have visited: NO

This is my 12th read for the year

From the book: (sorry - I have gotten lazy with these last read the world reviews - I am ready to move on!)

The author draws on the history and culture of the great medieval empire of Mali.  After a brief violent fresco depicting Mali's past, the story moves into the 20th century.  The Saifs continue in power.  When the French arrive as colonizers, they unwittingly become puppets in the hands of the astute native rulers who continue to dominate by witchcraft and crime.  Scenes of violence and eroticism, of sorcery and black magic appear as natural parts of human activity.  From this sumptuous and frightful background emerges the book's main protagonist, Raymond, the son of slaves, sent to France to be educated and groomed for a political post and so to become another puppet in the hands of the Saifs.

This was a difficult read, so I am glad it was short.  As I wind down these last few countries, I really had to hunt for a book that would fit let alone interest me.  It is a very unusual book that spans a long period of time.  We made it through, and it will stay my Mali book for now.

Stars: 3