Dark Heart of the Night (French Voices) - Softcover

Miano, Léonora; Editions Plon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0803228236 ISBN 13: 9780803228238

Publisher: Bison Books, 2010

Synopsis

What is Africa’s own “heart of darkness”? It is what confronts Ayané when, after three years abroad, she returns to the Central African village of her birth. Now an “outsider” with foreign ways distrusted by her fellow villagers, she must face alone the customs and superstitions that bind this clan of men and women. When invading militia organize a horrific ceremony that they claim will help reunite Africa, Ayané is forced to confront the monstrosity of the act that follows, as well as the responsibility that all the villagers must bear for silently accepting evil done in their name. Through Ayané’s unwilling witness, Léonora Miano probes the themes of submission and responsibility and questions the role of Africans in the suffering of their fellows. Also exploring African identity, Dark Heart of the Night is a profoundly disturbing novel in its evocation of the darkest side of people driven by their instinct to survive.

About this title

Product Description:

What is Africa's own 'heart of darkness'? It is what confronts Ayane when, after three years abroad, she returns to the Central African village of her birth. Now an 'outsider' with foreign ways distrusted by her fellow villagers, she must face alone the customs and superstitions that bind this clan of men and women.

Review:

Praise for the original French edition (L'Interieur de la nuit) of Dark Heart of the Night: "[Miano] has written a novel that has the powerful dignity of the Greek tragedies." Thierry Gandillot, L'Express "In a style that is beautifully controlled and shows no trace of exoticism, Leonora Miano plunges her readers agonizingly into the mysteries of Africa: rebellions, coups d'etat, archaic sacrifices, and battles between clans. Her observations are merciless and uncompromising." Josyane Savigneau, Le Monde des Livres "Avoiding the fine talking of humanitarians and self-satisfied claptrap of nationalist Africans, [Miano] takes readers on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the shadows." Marie Claire

About this edition

• Publisher: Bison Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0803228236
• ISBN 13: 9780803228238
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 156