63 pages • 2 hours read
Ousmane SembèneXala
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1973A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Xala by Ousmane Sembène, El Hadji Abdou Kader Beye, a wealthy Senegalese businessman, faces impotence on the night of his wedding to his third wife, N'Gone, due to a xala (curse). His desperate attempts to cure this condition lead him to neglect his business, resulting in financial ruin and the loss of his social standing. His plight culminates in a public and humiliating confrontation with a group of beggars he wronged, exposing the corruption and failures of the postcolonial elite.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews for Ousmane Sembène’s Xala applaud its incisive critique of neocolonialism, rich satire, and cultural authenticity. Sembène's portrayal of post-independence Senegal is praised for its depth and humor. However, some critiques mention a slow narrative pace and occasional didacticism. Overall, Xala is a compelling exploration of identity and corruption.
Who Should Read Xala?
A reader who would enjoy Xala by Ousmane Sembène is likely interested in African literature, postcolonial studies, and social satire. Comparable to those who appreciate Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart or Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Petals of Blood, this reader values narratives that critique societal norms and explore the complexities of cultural identity.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Heinemann African Writers
Colonialism / Postcolonialism
Satire
Realistic Fiction
Allegory / Fable / Parable
Class
History: African
Politics / Government
Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride
Identity: Masculinity
Society: Colonialism