Une si longue lettre (So Long a Letter) is a 1979 novel by Senegalese writer Mariama Bâ. Written in the form of a long letter, it is a landmark of African feminist literature and one of the most widely studied works of Francophone African literature.
Plot summary
After the sudden death of her husband, Ramatoulaye begins writing a long letter to her childhood friend Aïssatou. Through this letter, she recounts the events of her marriage — including her husband’s decision to take a young second wife — and reflects on friendship, love, loss, and the changing role of women in post-independence Senegal.
Themes
The novel explores polygamy, female solidarity, education, and the tension between Islamic tradition and modern values in Senegal. It remains essential reading for students of African literature, postcolonial studies, and gender studies.
English translation
Available in English as So Long a Letter, translated by Modupé Bodé-Thomas, published by Heinemann African Writers Series.
