Published in 1969, Recontres essentielles is the first novel by a woman
of sub-Saharan francophone Africa. Thérèse Kuoh-Moukoury, of Cameroon,
wrote it "to inspire other women to write." Its story of love,
infertility, a failed marriage, and adultery looks at both interpersonal
connections and national politics from a feminist perspective.In the
introduction the volume editor, Cheryl Toman, provides valuable
background with a discussion of African matriarchy, past and present;
ethnic groups in Cameroon; interracial relationships; and polygamy as it
affects women's roles in the family and their interaction with one
another.