Bound to Violence

Set against the backdrop of the imaginary empire of Nakem, this epic novel weaves a tragic narrative that spans centuries, highlighting the Saèif dynasty's cunning rule. It critiques African history through vivid depictions of local brutality and the slave trade, while also offering a broader commentary on universal themes of sex, violence, and power. This critical edition includes Ralph Manheim's translation and insights from Châerif Keèita, shedding light on the plagiarism scandal that overshadowed its release in the West and its implications for the author, Yambo Ouologuem.