Synopsis
Vivid portraits of life and power in a colonial world
A powerful, unflinching look at Ubangi-Shari through the eyes of Batouala and the people around him. This novel records ceremonies, travels, and the pull of empire with striking, often brutal honesty.
Set in a French Congo colony, the book follows villagers, chiefs, soldiers, and healers as they navigate tradition, danger, and the encroaching reach of outsiders. Its scenes oscillate between ritual festivity and tense confrontation, painting a world where custom, fear, and survival shape every choice.
- Experience vivid ceremonies, dances, and the social world surrounding Batouala.
- Meet a mokoundji leader and the people who depend on him in a changing land.
- See the pull and the cost of colonial rule through intimate, ground-level scenes.
- Read a thoughtful, unsentimental portrait of power, community, and resilience.
Ideal for readers of classic African literature and works that scrutinize colonial history.
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Batouala (Classic Reprint)
Print on DemandSeller: Forgotten Books, London, United Kingdom
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book paints a vivid picture of life in the French Congo during the early 20th century, focusing on the experiences of Batouala, a charismatic and respected village chief. Through Batouala's eyes, we witness the daily rhythms and customs of his people, their deep connection to the land, and their complex relationship with the encroaching forces of European colonialism. The author meticulously details the sights, sounds, and smells of Batouala's world, immersing the reader in a vibrant and unfamiliar culture. We see the community's joy in dance and celebration, their struggles against the harsh realities of nature, and their unique understanding of life and death. However, this idyllic existence is threatened by the arrival of European colonizers. The author starkly contrasts the traditional way of life with the destructive impact of colonialism, highlighting the hypocrisy and brutality that often lay beneath the surface of "civilization." Ultimately, this book offers a powerful and poignant reflection on the clash between tradition and modernity, and the devastating consequences that can arise when cultures collide. It leaves us with a profound understanding of the human cost of colonialism and the enduring resilience of indigenous communities in the face of overwhelming change. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781334226984_0
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Batouala (Classic Reprint)
Seller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781334226984
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Batouala (Classic Reprint)
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781334226984
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Batouala (Classic Reprint)
Print on DemandSeller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 216 pages. 8.94x6.02x0.59 inches. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # zk1334226989
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