This critical edition of the epic 1968 Malian novel explores its
enduring literary power and the racist plagiarism scandal that
devastated its author, the first African winner of France's prestigious
Renaudot Prize.
An engrossing, tragic tale spanning the thirteenth to the twentieth
century, Bound to Violence recounts the fate of the imaginary empire
of Nakem and the dynasty of the Saïfs who reign there as devious
masters.
While the novel was initially praised as an insider's guide to and
critique of African history, with its vivid descriptions of the
brutality of local rulers and the slave trade, Yambo Ouologuem's biting
satire goes far beyond his native land. Through the society of Nakem, he
paints a universally relevant portrait of sex, violence, and power in
human relationships.
In this new edition of Ralph Manheim's vigorous translation, professor
and award-winning documentary filmmaker Chérif Keïta provides invaluable
context for the novel, whose publication in the West was mired by
accusations of plagiarism, fraught with racist undertones.
