An expression of common struggle, and common exclusion from privilege, "God's Bits of Wood" is commendable literature focusing on structural, and social change.

This epinion will hopefully answer any question you may have about this lesser-known masterpiece, such as...

What is it about?

Sembene Ousmane based this novel on an actual railway workers' strike that lasted from October 10, 1947 to March 19, 1948, on the Dakar-Niger railway line in French West Africa. The variance between poverty and a living wage rested on the outcome of this strike. The workers were also asking for compensation for sick time, retiring pensions and equal pay for equal work, across gender lines.

The workers were met with countermeasures to the strike, such as a cut-off of their water and rice. Other countermeasures included the increase of soldier and police brutality. These two factors were implemented with the ideology that the workers would return to their jobs.

Their determination is reinforced by the measures and calamities they endured, to quit would be to lose.

Sembene is a colonialist, right?

The author has strong anti-colonial, aggressive political assertions, and is an advocate of socialist realism. Sembene uses traditional writing methods and styles combined with modernistic modes. Throughout this novel, a strong journey motif exists.

A demand for quintessential change exists in the consciousness of each of the individuals on strike, and secondly, in the entire society. The author accomplishes this objective by incorporating and developing many characters that represent every aspect of the individuals involved in the strike.

This is advantageous to the reader because the linkages between individuals and collective action becomes clear, and the progression of scope, from one region in French West Africa, to world-wide, becomes apparent.

One step forward, or two steps back?

Sembene suggests that the old caste-bound society halted with the introduction of the locomotive, and the influences of colonialism. The strike could be seen as an act of remission. However, the strike was a progressive act that allowed those who survived to grow in unique ways, surpassing the machine age.

Who was your favorite character?

The author has excellent character development throughout the text. This is exemplified with the character of Bakayoko. He is hardened from his achievement as a union organizer. The method used for revealing Bakayoko is very intriguing. His involvement in the narrative is delayed. After a brief introduction in chapter one, he is not critically examined until the later half of the novel.

Toward the end of the novel, Bakayoko accomplishes his individual journey of self-understanding. He could use his verbal skills to transmit a message that called for social, political and economic change. He changed through the strike, from ignoring his wife, to being agreeable and having feelings, for various reasons.

What are the major themes?

Sembene attempts to show both the aggregate effect of the strike on a community, the individual, and the journey it took them on.

Also, with the intensification of the strike came an understanding of the codependency the workers have with the machine, and it forces them to reach the solution.

If I had to pick one theme the author was trying to make you think about, it would be that of pitting revolutionary political consciousness, against superstitions, folklore, and traditional fundamental beliefs.

Can you stop talking about this book now?

"God's Bits of Wood" is an extremely propelling novel that is very well-written, and has many hidden puzzles. It would not be an overstatement to call this publication a masterpiece.



Recommended: Yes