So Long a Letter, by Mariama Ba is a work in translation, originally written in French. It contains so many universal themes and lessons.
Has the translation been a barrier in understanding Ba sometimes?
Also, are there some things (including the obvious polygamy) that readers cannot relate to? For example, can we relate to Ramatoulaye's way of rearing her children even though we may not be parents? Can we understand the generation/culture gap even if we don't come from Senegal?
Also, what are your favorite quotes from this novella? I LOVE
"Friendship has splendours that love knows not. It grows stronger when crossed, whereas obstacles kill love. Friendship resists time, which wearies and severs couples. It has heights unknown to love" (54).
I feel like this is a theme in the book--the importance of friendship. And I'd love to believe that the secret to a successful relationship concerning romantic love is have friendship as an underlying support beam. Do you think Modou and Ramatoulaye had friendship?