Islam and the West African Novel
Book Description
Ahmed S. Bangura presents a groundbreaking examination of how Western literary criticism has fundamentally misunderstood the role of Islam in West African literature. Drawing from Edward Said's influential work on Orientalism, this scholarly exploration reveals how colonial-era prejudices continue to shape contemporary interpretations of African novels with Islamic themes.
The author demonstrates how European-language critics, often lacking direct access to Islamic traditions beyond colonial narratives, have perpetuated misleading and politically motivated interpretations of West African literary works. Bangura provides essential historical and sociological context for understanding Islam's authentic presence in sub-Saharan Africa, creating a foundation for more accurate literary analysis.
Through careful examination of novels by prominent authors including Sembene Ousmane, Aminata Sow Fall, and Ibrahim Tahir, Bangura contrasts his culturally informed readings with traditional Western critical approaches. His analysis encompasses works by other significant voices such as Wole Soyinka, Cheikh Hamidou Kane, and Ahmadou Kourouma, offering fresh perspectives on their Islamic subtexts.
This work serves as both a corrective to decades of misinterpretation and a guide for readers seeking deeper understanding of how spiritual traditions authentically manifest in African literature. Bangura's insights illuminate the complex relationship between faith, culture, and literary expression, providing tools for more nuanced appreciation of West African storytelling traditions.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 171 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Islam, africa
- ✓ Explore African literature, history and criticism
- ✓ Explore Islam and literature
- ✓ Explore Islam in literature
- ✓ Explore West African fiction
- ✓ Explore Politics and literature
- ✓ Explore Religion in literature
