"Condé is a born storyteller." Overall it is a good tale that's easy to get lost in. 1117 Words 5 Pages. In 1959, she married Mamadou Condé, an Guinean actor. “Segu wasn’t made for peace,” says one of the characters in Maryse Condé’s sprawling, stunning third novel. It's a book that will make the reader a lot more aware of the fact that slave trade, religious fanaticism and colonialism left their scars on many local cultures and have sown the seeds of many of the post-colonial conflicts that still plague the continent. Conde's language is unique and poetic. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. From Better World Books (Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.) Seller Rating: Available From More Booksellers. There was a problem loading your book clubs. How did I ever study African literature without ever having heard of 'Segu?' African History: A Very Short Introduction. Maryse Conde, Guadeloupian author of epic historical fiction, much of it based in Africa. The author of several novels that have been well received in France (both Segu and its sequel were bestsellers),… More about Maryse Conde In Maryse Condé …the best-selling novel Ségou (1984; Segu) and its sequel, Ségou II (1985; The Children of Segu).Set in historical Segou (now part of Mali), the books examine the violent impact of the slave trade, Islam, Christianity, and white colonization on a royal family during the period from 1797 to 1860.… The spine may show signs of wear. Fiction excels at letting us feel history. Disclaimer:A readable copy. Her works are luminous and as I read more of her through the course of reading this book, I was more in love. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. It is one of the conversations that, year-after-year, brings out dozens of contributors and hundreds of responses. Condition is Brand New. The story is cemented in historical facts, and covers the period when Islam came to this nation. It’s an excellent story which hooks you from the beginning itself. When I picked up Segu it was quite by accident. But even their soothsayers can only hint at the changes to come, for the battle of the soul of Africa has begun. This forum I contribute to, the World Literature Forum, has been trying to guess who would win this year's Nobel Prize since the middle of summer. Bought this for my sister she loved it. Maryse Condé (née Boucolon; February 11, 1937) is a French novelist, critic, and playwright from the French Overseas depertment and region of Guadeloupe.Condé is best known for her novel Ségou … Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2020. View all copies of this book. Fascinating whether or not you're interested in West Africa. Treat yourself. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Conde's language is unique and poetic. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. I fell in love with the book. The author of several novels that have been well received in France (both Segu and its sequel were bestsellers), she has lectured widely in the United States and now divides her time between Guadeloupe and New York City. I was completely immersed in the strong imagery and distinct style. Segu tells the story of Mali's triple, simultaneous colonizations-- enslavement, French land-grabbing, and Muslim religious conquest. September 1st 1996 A fascinating read! Segu Maryse Conde. Commencing in 1797 in the kingdom of Segu in West Africa, an oblong tract of land south of Timbuktu and surrounding Bamako, now the capital of Mali, Conde's novel unearths the traditions, struggles, conflicts, and triumphs of a family and its culture over the course of a century. ...I think this was the fourth time I've read this book and I still think it is an amazing read. How did I ever study African literature without ever having heard of 'Segu?' The people of Segu, the Bambara, are guided by their griots and priests; their lives are ruled by the elements. Hardcover. Please try again. ISBN 10: 0345353064 / ISBN 13: 9780345353061. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. See details - Segu by Maryse Condé (1988, Paperback) See all 6 brand new listings. She captures a fascinating time in history with its earth spirituality, religious fervor and the violent nature of a people and their growing nation. I read this years ago, before heading to live in Mali for several months. Madeline Sayre Black Studies 49A- MIESCHER Wednesday 12 pm 3-12-13 In the novel Segu, Maryse Conde beautifully constructs personal and in depth images of African history through the use of four main characters that depict the struggles and importance of family in what is now present day Mali. Segu Maryse Conde. The culture and effects of the slave trade and foreboding over religious transition gave me much to think about. Segu is a brilliantly written novel. [1] Erudita en literatura francófona, [2] reconocida feminista y activista difusora de la historia y la cultura africana, [3] destaca su vasta productividad como autora y su versatilidad para escribir ficción histórica, cuentos, novelas, ensayos y otros géneros. In 1953, her parents sent her to study at Lycée Fénelon and Sorbonne in Paris, where she majored in English. --Louise Meriwether "A stunning reaffirmation of Africa and its peoples as set down by others whose works have gone unnoticed. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. Segu by Maryse Cond?. From Better World Books (Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.) Seller … Not only was it fiercely entertaining, it was informative regarding the rise of West African empires but also the deadly impact of Islam of indigenous African religion. Segu is a literary masterpiece I could not put down." From the east comes a new religion, Islam, and from the West, the slave trade. From the east comes a new religion, Islam, and from the West, the slave trade. gris-gris) in the text and that kind of took me out of the story. Used / Quantity Available: 0. Not only was it fiercely entertaining, it was informative regarding the rise of West African empires but also the deadly impact of Islam of indigenous African religion. In another, it seems like it has now and colonization and that’s it. Please try again. Condé's multifaceted novels question stereotypical images of literary characters, colonialism, sex and gender. So much so that the day that I finished it, I ran out and bought the Children of Segu. From this, we can assume it's based on real events. Much of the novel’s radiance comes from the lush description of a traditional life that is both exotic and violent.” —Charles L. Larson, The New York Times Book Review, “With the dazzling storytelling skills of an African griot, Maryse Condé has written a rich, fast-paced saga of a great kingdom during the tumultuous period of the slave trade and the coming of Islam. This is an amazing novel, partly because of the incredible historical research that went into it. It is one of the few novels I'm aware of that shows us an African society from the inside and succeeds in making it believable. I'm sure in many situations, that was the case. But even their soothsayers can only hint at the changes to come, for the battle of the soul of Africa has begun. Segu Maryse Conde. If judging it alone on the fascinating background you discover, on the recreation of an untold history, on the evokation of a time and place, on the unearthing and revealing of culture, religion and a way of life, then Segu gets four stars. From a historical perspective I really liked it. On the other hand it also shows this part of the world as vibrant, culturally rich and in some ways very resilient. The year is 1797, and the kingdom of Segu is flourishing, fed by the wealth of its noblemen and the power of its warriors. I learned so much from this book about Mali and West Africa. Paperback. Maryse Conde is an amazing storyteller, and Segu is the kind of historical fiction I love because it more than successfully transported me to a mysterious place and time that I enjoyed returning to and learning about. It was hard to get through with the exception of Malobali, the African obsession with everything European. Set in Guadeloupe, Mali … Conde's message that negative change (slave trade) prevents one from existing is not only TRUE but heartbreaking. Published by Ballantine Books, 1988. Maryse Condé is a Guadeloupean, French language author of historical fiction, best known for her novel Segu. Islam has come to Africa to pit tribe against tribe (Bambara, Fulani, and Yoruba), fathers against sons, and brothers against brothers. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. Please try again. Virtually every page glitters with nuggets of cultural fascination.”—Howard Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, “A wondrous novel about a period of African history few other writers have addressed. There's a problem loading this menu right now. In 1981, she divorced, but the following year married Richard Philcox, English language translator of most of her novels. Hardcover, 9780670807284, 0670807281 In her afterword, Condé thanks numerous colleagues for helping make sure 'this fiction doesn't take too many liberties with the facts'. The book Segu is about telling the story of Africa as if it was a person wanting an autobiography done before its life is over. We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Condé has obviously put in a lot of research into the history, culture and customs of Ségou and the result is a very good historical novel. The characters are vastly changed because of this infusion, which leads to the development of a whole new culture. The lessons of the past are seldom learned. Maryse Conde is an amazing storyteller, and Segu is the kind of historical fiction I love because it more than successfully transported me to a mysterious p. Segu is the kind of book that takes you places you likely haven't had a chance to visit often in fiction. yasminerosereads Book Review July 15, 2020 July 24, 2020 4 Minutes. It begins in the Kingdom of Segu in the West Africa of the 1700s where the proud Bambara people live. Madeline Sayre Black Studies 49A- MIESCHER Wednesday 12 pm 3-12-13 In the novel Segu, Maryse Conde beautifully constructs personal and in depth images of African history through the use of four … Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Segu is a literary masterpiece I could not put down.”—Louise Meriwether, “A stunning reaffirmation of Africa and its peoples as set down by others whose works have gone unnoticed. The style of writing is very different from native English authors. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. My only issue was that it could have used more definitions below each page. A native of Guadeloupe, Maryse Condé lived for many years in Paris, where she taught West Indian literature at the Sorbonne. The people of Segu, the Bambara, are guided by their griots and priests; their lives are ru. I was well out of my depth regarding the history of this part of Africa and the time periods covered in Maryse Condé`s epic work, so I anticipated settling down to be swept along by an intriguing historical novel.