Contents
Mariama Bâ
The author of So Long a Letter, a landmark novel about women, marriage and independence in Senegal.
So Long a Letter · Noma Award
- Born
- 17 April 1929
- Birthplace
- Senegal
- Died
- 17 August 1981
More people
Mariama Bâ
Mariama Bâ wrote from the perspective of educated women negotiating family obligations and unequal expectations. Her two novels made a lasting contribution to African literature in French.
Early life
Dakar
Grew up in a Muslim family and was largely raised by her grandparents.
Teacher training
Studied at the teacher-training school in Rufisque.
Career
- 1947
Teaching
Began a career in education.
- 1979
First novel
Published So Long a Letter.
- 1981
Final manuscript
Died before publication of her second novel.
Books & recognition
So Long a Letter
A widow writes to a friend about marriage and the choices open to women.
Scarlet Song
A posthumous novel about an intercultural marriage.
Beyond work
Women’s rights
Participated in women’s organisations and argued for education and equality.
Motherhood
Raised nine children while pursuing education and writing.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Career and work — academic.oup.com ↗Photo: Unknown author Unknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
