レビュー

• Another fantastic Senegalese novel. Open your mind to the wonders of African novels.

  Along with 'Xala' and "So Long a letter', At Night joins Senegalese and modern classics. The powerhouse of African writing is truly exemplified in Diop's novel. War compounds all emotion. Diop conveys the horror, terror, mendacity and barbarism of war in a lyrical manner with a compelling multi faceted protagonist. detailing his home life, his best friend, his first love, village life, his mother and his family, his comrades etc all add a colourful tapestry to the forays in no man's land. Wonderful written, I loved the imagery, the disconnect from his world and the changes that happen because of the war. Mostly l really enjoyed the repetition of words that act almost like the chorus of a Greek tragedy that highlight the repetitiveness of war, reinforce images and help desensitise the reader from the barbarity of war. The book was also perfectly balanced in that the story feels truly complete and the reader truly satisfied. I highly recommend and I will look out for more Diop.

• The madness of the battlefield.

  Alia, a ‘Chocolat’ soldier in the French army (WWI), symbolizes the broad and narrow desecrations of war: land, humans…and the human spirit, or soul. Alia cannot submit to the entreaties for a quick death by his grievously wounded friend, Mademba, who dies in agony. He then converts his sorrow and guilt into self-loathing and seeks revenge for Mademba’s cruel death by stealing across enemy lines at night (when “all blood is black”) and exacting retribution by killing a German soldier. One hand of each victim is severed as a trophy/symbol of his vengeance, penance…and deepening madness. Initially, Alia is seen as heroic by his mates; then, in fear, as a “demm” (sorcerer), a devourer of souls. Our current sterile term is PTSD. This is a harrowing tale of how the battlefields of war devour souls.

• Un regard audacieux

  Pour découvrir un autre regard sur une histoire commune

• Great read

  Great book

• Amazing riveting tale

  Not only is this story interesting, it’s character mind description is ever lasting. This book grows and lives with you. And it’s so simple, yet so complex. Is it a story or a metaphor, can’t say. Looks real, but difficult to believe. Yet, it’s the story told from the deepest recesses of a youthful mind. Must read.

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