Xala

Sembène Ousmane ; translated by Clive Wake (1976)

Set in a post-colonial Senegal, this book tells the story of El Hadji, a wealthy self-made businessman, who becomes stricken with the curse of impotence "xala" on his third wedding night.

His struggle to overcome the affliction becomes a satirical metaphor for the arising issues of post-independence Senegal, such as the gap between the rich and the poor, and those struggling to cope with modernity and tradition.

791.437 (Dewey) Open access