Brotherhood (novel)
2014 novel by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr
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Brotherhood (French: Terre ceinte) is a political novel written by Senegalese writer Mohamed Mbougar Sarr and translated by Alexia Trigo.[1] It was published by Europa Editions in 2021. Originally published as Terre Ceinte in 2014 by Présence Africaine.[2]
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Title page in original French, Terre ceinte (2014) | |
| Author | Mohamed Mbougar Sarr |
|---|---|
| Original title | Terre ceinte |
| Translator | Alexia Trigo |
| Language | French |
| Subject | Political |
| Genre | Literary fiction |
| Set in | Kepal, Sumal fictional town |
| Publisher | Présence Africaine |
Publication date | 2014 |
| Publication place | Senegal |
Published in English | 6 October 2021 |
| Media type |
|
| Pages | 248 (trade paper) |
| Awards | |
| ISBN | 978-2-7087-0881-5 (trade paper) |
| LC Class | PQ3989.3.M36714 T47 2014 |
The novel takes place in a fictional town in Africa, where Islamic extremism has taken root.[3]
Background
In 2014, Mohamed Mbougar Sarr's novel was published by Présence Africaine in French.[4] It was Sarr's debut novel and second work after his critically acclaimed short story "La Cale".[2] In 2021, it was translated by Alexia Trigo—being Trigo's debut work as a translator and Sarr's first novel to be translated into English.[5]
Plot
The story follows an extremist Islamic organisation—called the Brotherhood, which has taken control of Kalep—and a group of decentralised intellectuals intent on challenging its extreme religious doctrine. The antagonist, Abdel Karim who is a police chief, leads the Brotherhood. In order to fight the tyrant, the intellectuals develop a political journal called Rambaaj that is aimed at reawakening the people and calling for an uprising. To fight back, Karim places a huge bounty on the underground journalists which introduces betrayal and back-biting to the organisation. In order to winnow out the journalists, Karim burns down a library that is considered a cultural property.
Characters
- Abdel Karim — a police chief and leader of the Brotherhood
- Malamine — leader of the resistance group
Reception
It received a starred review from Publishers Weekly.[6] PW described it as a "vital new voice to American readers."[6] It was listed in Brittle Paper's Notable Books of 2021.[7]
Awards and nominations
The French version won the Grand prix du roman métis and Prix Ahmadou-Kourouma in 2015.[4][2]