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Bits of Wood Sembene Ousmane in God

Ousmane Sembene

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The novel was published In 1960, the year of the independence of most of francophone West African States.

It takes place in the colonial era. The 3rd work of Senegalese Sambène based on an old tradition in some African countries where superstition there are not people live, as it does not indicate the exact number of children one has, in order to avoid the evil spirits that shorten their lives.

They are known by the euphemism "the kindling of God," to ward off bad luck. So that women describe themselves together in the novel.
"Do not count us, please," said Seni rising precipitously, we are Bouts de Bois de Dieu, you we'd die. " (P. 301)

Inspired by a true

In this masterpiece African literature, the author draws on a true story: the railroad strike of 20,000 of the Dakar-Niger, held in Dakar and Bamako, in October 1947 to March 1948.

Sembene reveals the reasons that prompted the railroad to stop work for five months. They all spring from their position as African workers. They are disadvantaged compared with their European colleagues who have privileges beyond measure.

Their claims can be summarized in few words: increased salaries, allowances, annual vacation, pension, and right to create their own union.

These claims have been developed in Thies, "the city's rail". The railway line serving the cities Dakar, Thies, Bamako and Rufisque, which become the centers of rebellion.

Dakar is the administrative center. This is where important decisions are made. It is also the seat of colonial administration and trade unions. Pieces of wood supply in the light of God, a civilization in flux, torn between attraction and mistrust vis-à-vis the West.

Dedicated by the author to his "brothers union and all union members and their companions in this vast world " The sticks of God is a hymn to the brotherhood in workers' struggles and also a victory celebration of African solidarity over colonial oppression.

limits to fraternity

However novelist see also knows the flaws of this fraternity and this solidarity and there is no shortage to denounce local complicity that contribute to or maintain oppression.

He forcefully criticizes the transgressors of all kinds, especially certain religious leaders and some traders who play the game with just their personal interests over those of the community.

These sticks of God, we send messages of popular struggle, debate, threats of extremist excesses, always on standby, even in most cases nobles.
Sembene weaves a web whose son deliver this message: "Blessed is he who fights without hate."

Ousmane Sembene (more info here ) died in 2007 has directed a short film Borom Sarret first fiction film in Francophone Africa Sub-Saharan Africa, produced in 1963.


He has directed dozens of films among the best known: "e''Money,''''Xala, Ceddo'''''' Guelwaar ''and''

Thiaroye Camp''was filmed in 1987, which recounts the killing of Senegalese infantrymen in Thiaroye, a suburb of Dakar, on the morning of 1 December 1944 and finally "Moolade'' in 2004.

Ousmane Sembene is an undoubted pioneer of African literature and cinema. A (re) discovery;