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Synopsis
Saunders' novel fuses the narrative style of fantasy fiction with a pre-colonial, alternate Africa. Inspired by and directly addresses the alienation of growing up an African American fan of Science Fiction and Fantasy, which to this day remains a very ethnically homogonous genre. It addresses this both structurally (via its unique setting) and thematically (via its alienated, tribeless hero-protagonist). The tribal tensions and histories presented in this fantasy novel reflect actual African tribal histories and tensions, and provide a unique perspective to current and recent conflicts in Africa, particularly the Rwandan genocide and the ongoing conflict in The Sudan.
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About the Author
CCharles Saunders, born July 12, 1946, is an African-American author and journalist currently living in Canada. During his long career, he has written everything from novels both fiction and non-fiction, to screenplays and radio plays.
From Publishers Weekly
Mixing quasi history and legend, Saunders's episodic heroic fantasy, first published in 1981 and now greatly revised, introduces Imaro, a black African in the heroic mold of Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian. Set in the sub-Saharan equivalent of Howard's imaginary Hyborea, this origin story, the first in a projected five-volume series, tells how Imaro (who seems to run afoul of sorcerers as readily as Howard's barbarian did) is falsely accused at the conclusion of his manhood rite, exiled from his tribe and transformed into an embittered, homicidal wanderer in a landscape of savage beasts and savage men, yet retains, as such heroes usually do, a certain chivalrous decency. The unusual setting more than makes up for the routine plot. Saunders alone has appreciated the potential of Africa as a backdrop for heroic fantasy. (Mar.)
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IMARO
Published by
DAW Books, New York, 1981
ISBN 10: 0879976675
ISBN 13: 9780879976675
Used
Softcover
First Edition
Seller: Type Punch Matrix, Silver Spring, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Near fine. First printing. Scarce first edition of Saunders's groundbreaking first novel, set in a heavily researched alternate Africa and starring one of the first Black heroes in the grimly Eurocentric genre of contemporary sword & sorcery. 7'' x 4''. Original pictorial wrappers by Ken W. Kelly. 208 pages. Minor edgewear. Seller Inventory # 49443