This book left a lasting impression

• Book: God’s Bits of Wood
• Location: Senegal
• Author: Ousmane Sembene

God’s Bits of Wood
Sembene Ousmane wrote in French and English and this is his third novel, which was originally written and published in French as ‘Les bouts de bois de Dieu’.
I originally picked this book, which I had not heard of at the time I chose it, because I liked the cover. I’d never read anything by an African author before and it looked as if it might have something a bit different to offer to me. I wasn’t disappointed as I really enjoyed the read. It’s a brilliant book, brilliantly written and Sembene’s minimal formal education has led to him developing his own style of writing and expressing his ideas in a refreshing manner. It is a story that portrays courage and grit in women amongst other things and one I would therefore wholeheartedly recommend. It is a historical novel set in pre-independence Senegal taking the 1947-1948 railroad strike in French West Africa as subject matter and inspires at many levels. In my opinion it would be a good book for a book club read and Sembene’s life story is also worthy of attention.

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