46 pages 1 hour read

Ousmane Sembène

God’s Bits of Wood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1960

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

God’s Bits of Wood by Ousmane Sembène details the Senegalese railway workers' strike of 1947 against French colonial oppression, focusing on their fight for family allowances and pension benefits. Set in Senegal and Mali, the multidimensional narrative examines the lives of the strikers and their families, emphasizing the evolving roles of women and culminating in a significant march from Thiès to Dakar. Themes of racism and poverty are prevalent.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

God's Bits Of Wood by Ousmane Sembène has been praised for its powerful depiction of the 1947-48 Senegalese railway strike. Critics commend its rich character development and vivid portrayal of African life, while some find its pacing uneven and narrative style demanding. Overall, it is hailed as an insightful historical and social commentary.

Who should read this

Who Should Read God’s Bits of Wood?

Readers who appreciate God's Bits of Wood by Ousmane Sembène typically enjoy historical fiction that explores social justice, colonialism, and collective struggle. Fans of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck will find a similar resonance in Sembène's portrayal of resistance and community resilience.

Recommended

Reading Age

16-18years

Book Details

Period

Heinemann African Writers