Xala

A very short novel full of quotidian detail, easy to visualize, perfectly engaging. Characters pull you in immediately. Humor/satire but not only. A grand development of plot. Provides insight into Dakar culture, domestic relationships, with some historical atmosphere. For those who are living in Dakar, highly recommended. Sembene is considered a master.

Sembene writes a compelling story about the problems of double patriarchy and blending the new and old. A short read, but an amazing one. Every part has a purpose and all the characters have depth and purpose in the story. Much better than the film representation and overall fantastic.

Important political fable exposing the hypocrisy of paternal capitalism as well as the contradictions in polygamy

good story. the translation is awkward in some places. editing, typos in kindle edition.

I had to purchase this book for a class, but I was surprised to discover how much I enjoyed reading it. It's a fairly short book, and a quick read, but it's also an enjoyable tale. I will admit that it has some very post-colonial ideals embedded in the narrative about economic freedom, but that isn't so overwhelming as to turn the story into a parable.

Awesome Book

I read this for an African American Literature class and somewhat enjoyed it. This was my second time reading it but I enjoyed it more this time than the last.

I had to buy this short, satirical piece in college when I took an African literature class. I remember being irritated that a 110 page book was almost half that number in price. But that was college bookstores for you. So I swallowed my distaste for the price, bought it, and fully intended on returning it. I didn't. I read it with vigor then, and I read it with vigor now. Xala, pronounced "hala," is a beautifully written, hilariously engaging story that doesn't hold back despite being written in the 70s.El Hadji Abdou Kader Beye, or El Hadji for short, is a black Muslim living the "high life" of business practices in Francophone Africa. The story begins with El Hadji celebrating his latest business achievement with his coworkers while also celebrating the fact that he is about to be wed to a beautiful young woman who will become his third wife. His first two wives, one who is deeply religious and has a father tied to the original feelings of African roots, and one who is used to being the favorite and is quite promiscuous in their relationship, are obviously not too thrilled with the idea, but suffer it peacefully. When the wedding festivities are over, El Hadji finds himself stricken by the xala, or impotence. He cannot consummate the marriage! The following story details El Hadji's desperate attempts to cure himself using non-traditional and traditional means while precariously balancing his wives's lifestyles and all the while bleeding his business account dry.The story is a contest between "old" African and colonized Africa. Between the "forward" progress of businessmen and industrial commerce and the more traditional laborer mentality of tribalism and helping one's family and village. Between the beggars in the streets and the wealthy elite. Between being African and putting on a suit and tie and "pretending" to be European. About being a man for your country or a man for the system. With all these heavy handed remarks, the story should be serious, but it isn't until the very end, where the satire fails and the allegory is revealed as being the dangerous thing it is.A great read that is witty, entertaining, and simultaneously appalling when it comes to understanding the full context of the situation of the mentalities and strenuous differences in class and culture in colonized Africa. Maybe not worth $45 from a college bookstore just based on the weight of the paper alone, but Amazon.com will hook you up.

Amazing African satire, actually amazing satire carefully crafted, bitingly funny. An insight into Senegalese life and all the dynamics and pulls of post colonial, family, work life. Witty novela reminded me of the Irish greats and among the African greats.Buy! I just loved it and will look out for more from this author.

great book.