Book Club Favourite of Season 24

Review

Maryse Conde’s “Segu” immerses readers in a vivid tapestry of 18^th/19^th century West African kingdoms, filled with the richness and complexity of history. In our book club discussion, diverse perspectives surfaced, reflecting the varied experiences of readers within its pages.

For some readers, the book’s allure was immediate. They were captivated from the very beginning, loving the vivid portrayal of the settings and finding themselves drawn into the lives of the characters. Some readers struggled to connect initially but eventually discovered characters they liked.

For others, enthusiasm for the book waxed and waned throughout. The novel, while a rich source of knowledge, was found to be dense and at times, a bit of a slog, making it difficult to retain all its intricate details.

However, despite this, readers agreed that the book offered a valuable learning experience, delving into the intricacies and struggles of these kingdoms and cultures.

The formulaic nature of the plot didn’t sit well with some readers, who expressed a desire for more unpredictability in the storytelling. Yet, despite this critique, everyone appreciated the book’s ability to open a door into another world.

In essence, “Segu” proved to be a novel of contrasts. While some embraced it wholeheartedly, others found it more challenging. Nevertheless, its depth, the glimpses into personal moments, and the broader historical narratives held value for each reader, who wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

This first book of Season 24 scored 8.2 out of 10.

Nicola’s Book Club reading list

Season 24 – “Historical and Cultural Fiction” (Nov 2023 – Jun 2024)

“Segu” by Maryse Condé (Guadeloupe) *
“The Devils’ Dance” by Hamid Ismailov (Uzbekistan)
“Midnight Blue” by Simone van der Vlugt (Netherlands)
“Mr. President” by Miguel Angel Asturias (Guatemala)

Extra book:
“We Trade Our Night For Someone Else’s Day” by Ivana Bodrožić (Croatia)

* The book club favourite