Una carta molt llarga
MARIAMA BÂ

Published in March 2005 in Catalan

Original title: "Une si longue lettre"

The letter of a young Senegalese women written to a friend of her is the heart of this novel. After the death of her husband, during the traditional time of mourning, she lets the reader immerge into the fascinating world of happy memories of impatient students. These memories include the hope for a changing world and the independence of many African countries. But the difficulty of arranged marriages, the lack of women’s rights and polygamy is also present.

The Senegalese Mariama Bâ is the first African author offering a very clear description of the conditions an African woman has to face in her society. In 1947 she obtained her academic title as primary school teacher.

This novel has been awarded the prestigious Noma Award, it has been translated into 17 languages and is one of the most famous acts of African literature.