This book is engaging from the outset, and deceptively simple. It takes us into the world of a young Sengalese student, Ousmane Gueye, the son of a devout Muslim. Ousmane is more devoted to his mother, Yahe Khady, than to religion or tradition. The first chapters use the framing device of Ousmane’s walk to the university to tell his backstory, how he helped his mother and developed a thirst for knowledge, which was only strengthened after he was snubbed by his flirtatious childhood friend Ouleymatou. Ousmane becomes an academic success, determined to get out of his poor working class district on the outskirts of Dakar. So we are introduced to Ousmane as a disciplined young intellectual, respectful to his family and background, but eager to use his education to make something out of himself.
When the narrative catches up to itself Ousmane, whose progress is based on his self-discipline and rejection of romance, makes the acquaintance of Mireille, a white teenager who comes to school in a limosine, the daughter of a French diplomat. Over time, in a well-told story, they fall in love. This romance seems to answer Ousmane’s ambition, as he is respectful and reticent, only succumbing to Mireille when he discovers she loves him. After a brief idyll, Mireille’s father, a liberal politician, discovers the relationship, which is abhorrent to him and shows his hypocrisy. He puts Mireille on the first plane back to Paris, and it seems at this point as if the novel is going to be the story of thwarted interracial lovers. Mireille returns to Paris in time to take part in the student demonstrations of 1968, and Ousmane participates in student unrest back in Dakar, a brief section of the story that actually goes a long way to grounding the characters and showing us the nature of their consciousness and political commitment, especially Mireille; she seems authentic to her time through this section, identifiable as a late-60s French teenager. Still separated, Ousmane and Mireille both become graduate students and teachers, and continue a clandestine correspondence while patiently waiting for Mireille to come of age–21?–at which point Ousmane travels to France and marries Mireille, about halfway through the book. Ousmane presents the marriage to his parents as a fait accompli. His father is philosophical, but Ousmane’s mother Yahe Khadi believes that Mireille has bewitched her son.
At this point, after the intriguing introduction of the determined young academic and the black-white romance and devoted long secret engagement, the story becomes more complex and Ousmane’s character is carefully examined as it makes a gradual major turn, going from that of an eager, earnest, and completely sympathetic young man to a complex, ambivalent, successful and self-interested adult. Ousmane tries to live a middle class academic life with Mireille, but he insists on being respectful to his parents and his customs as well. Mireille, completely rejecting family and friends, has sacrificed everything and is trying to fit in, but she brings a full set of bourgeois assumptions about how they should live. And nothing she can do is good enough for Yahe Khady. Ousmane is increasingly drawn to the prerogatives and privileges of a successful man in his original society, and he isolates and begins to reject Mireille.
And then Ouleymaton reenters the picture, the portrait of a determined, romantic, traditional African woman. Suddenly the quick glimpse of her capricious childhood character at the beginning of the book takes on more meaning. Her pursuit of Ousmane is carefully and richly described–in his situation and pre-existing ambivalence, he doesn’t stand a chance. We don’t really blame Ouleymaton, who knows what she wants and how to get it, but we never lose our sympathy for poor Mireille. Ouleymaton seems justified in part because the Muslim society is polygamous, but we’re alerted to the dangers of this in the very first chapter, where Ousmane’s strength and seriousness is said to be partly the result of the monogamous marriage of his parents. The story plays with time and the details of the two ongoing relationships, such as both women having children, as it relates the larger thrust of Ousmane’s second marriage and family, and Yahe Khady’s pride at the traditional ceremonies of a successful son. Towards the end of this deep, but rapidly told (166 pp.) tale, writer Ba picks up a tiny note of how one of Ousmane’s siters had befriended Mireille, who has become isoolated and despondent. Although Mireille is suspicious and she knows that Ousmane must have a lover because he is never at home, Ousmane’s second life is completely unknown in its depth and details to Mireille. She has no idea that he has effectively returned to his home society, but as the end approaches all is revealed to her. She goes mad, and kills her son with sleeping pills, and stabs Ousmane–the scarlet song of the title–when he returns home. At the end Ousmane is said to recover, while Mireille has lost her mind.
This story was rich and compelling, with great characters who slowly became emblematic of much larger social and political issues, but they were always very real and accessible. Ba builds so much sympathy for Ousmane, and presents his romance with Mireille in a powerful, unadorned way, with no violins and just dedication, respect, and mutual understanding, so that we really don’t see the second half of the book coming. And Ousmane’s fatal choices are emblematic, they are presented as just those of one individual–the writer makes it clear that there are happy people and couples living on both sides of the edge walked by Ousmane. The point of the novel seems to be that it interracial relationships in this particular society are easier if the man adapts western ways and values, but something is lost–and what is lost is portrayed in the strong, sexy, intoxicating character of Ouleymaton. A man like Ousmane can’t have it both ways, and the cost of his love of the west and a white woman will ultimately be paid in madness and blood.
I found this book some time ago at the University bookstore on the course shelves, where I sometimes look for interesting things I haven’t read or even heard about. Looking around at home it seemed like a promising book for the Africa Reading Challenge, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book itself says that author Mariama Ba was dying as she wrote it, after achieving a great success with her first book “So Long a Letter,” which must be worth reading. Scarlet Song was published in French in 1981 and in the “Longman African Writers” series in 1994, where it has been reprinted 8 times.
Now I’m trying to get officially signed up for the African Reading Challenge, and I already see So Long a Letter a couple of places. Gives me lots of catching up to do, but I would think that anyone who has enjoyed So Long a Letter might very much like Scarlet Song.
This sounds like an excellent book. I’ve got So Long a Letter coming up soon, also as part of the African reading challenge. I suspect I’ll be adding this book to me tbr pile too!
By: Logophile on April 4, 2008
at 8:52 pm
I loved it, and it was only after I got back from vacation that I saw that you and others have So Long a Letter on your reading list. I’m really looking forward to reading it.
By: zhiv on April 4, 2008
at 10:40 pm
I read So Long a Letter some time ago and remember Ba’s writing as powerful and thoughtful. I will definitely look for a copy of Scarlet Song and see what I think. Wonderful review.
By: verbivore on April 7, 2008
at 11:05 am
Keep up the good work. It is of real importance for me for i happen to be reading it for my college exams. The most iportant thing is that it not only helps me in exams, but also a great inspiration for i love literature.
By: aggy amukowa on November 18, 2009
at 3:31 pm
I have read the novel.it is interesting.you have made it more interesting by summarizing it.keep up the good job
By: PAUL on June 4, 2010
at 3:41 am
I like it.
By: Daniel on September 29, 2010
at 1:05 pm
This summary just brings the qualities of the book to light,nice work!
By: Evelyne Bosire on October 14, 2010
at 7:10 pm
I am also great moved. I like Ba s SCarlet song. Am takin it for my pte.
By: John ngui on November 18, 2010
at 4:24 pm
I like it very much.It have driven me to reading this book. Thank you.
By: Ejidios on December 17, 2010
at 10:33 am
Insha ALLAH very much looking forward to reading both books, interesting!
By: Queen Sheba Cisse on February 3, 2011
at 10:11 pm
Scarlet Song is an interesting book and your summary has helped me so much in my studies here at Mzuzu Univesity:Malawi
By: Christopher Loti on April 17, 2011
at 9:32 am
I’m studying Scarlet Song for my IB English course in Sri Lanka. This was really helpful.
Thanks 🙂 X
By: Marie de Silva on May 18, 2011
at 3:54 pm
Wat a nice book! It realy touches wat people [African mostly] do in their societies as far as religion and culture is concerned
By: Reuben on April 11, 2014
at 8:45 am
I fell in love with this book long time ago. It used to be a literature text book in ma country when i was in high school.
By: Kumbukani on June 1, 2011
at 12:43 pm
I really appreciate the work of MARIAMA BA and all the characters in. The book has taught many youth like me on how to choose various things in life. I’m studying the book for my P T E july 2011
By: IMENDE SAMSON
on June 09 ,06 ,2011
At 2:32 pm
By: Samson Imende on June 9, 2011
at 11:34 am
I really enjoyed this book; infact i feel like rereading it! the polytechnic-unima.
By: Goodson sichali on October 21, 2011
at 11:37 pm
i really enjoy dis book and i also like the writer she is one my best writer
By: esther on December 14, 2011
at 11:57 am
The book seem to reject the myth that interrelationships between whites and blacks can work given the two different cultural backgrounds. Parents also play a pivotal role in relationships. Over and above, l true enjoyed the novel
By: Cassim silumba on December 14, 2011
at 3:24 pm
This is an interesting book.t bringsout many likeable themes though t z mainly about religion.and i hope that since it is an Alevel setbook 4 this year ,here in Zimbabwe,we r going to pass with flying colours.
By: Nyaradzo Gobvu on January 1, 2012
at 3:51 pm
Good review
By: Rose Khamala on January 16, 2012
at 10:59 am
I TEACH LITERATURE AT KENYAN TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGE, THE SUMMARY HAS REALLY TOUCHED ME, AM A VICTIM OF ABUSIVE MARRIAGE, AND I REALLY IDENTIFY WITH MIRREILLE. ITS LOVE THAT DROVE ME INTO IT, BUT A KNIFE OF HATE, BETRAYAL AND NEAR DEATH DROVE ME OUT. FRIENDS LOOK TO ME AS A GREAT HERROEN. MARIAMA BA IS MY GREATES INSPIRATION
By: kemmy oburu on February 2, 2012
at 2:26 pm
I am at Mary Mount teachers college intake 14,really loved yo summary ,it is so helpful
By: PAMELA KARUMA on February 10, 2012
at 10:26 am
I read this book in Malawi 1994 during my Malawi School Leaving Certificate and I never got over reading it. I have advised my friends and relatives to read it before they make a big decision to marry someone from a different country or culture.
By: allan on February 28, 2012
at 4:36 am
It makes u realise dat every woman needs care.Free,open and understanding should be employed between married couples.
By: Evans Leslie Otieno on March 7, 2012
at 1:56 pm
It makes one realize how women can react if their pushed to their limits by oppressive husbands
By: Bill Gatsi on December 12, 2012
at 9:13 am
A good anlysis of the nove really maent to clarify mosty of the hidden agendas in the text.
By: tafadzwa on March 10, 2012
at 10:04 pm
am duin t @ skool and ts knd o stressin n vry nyc tho
By: Ashley on March 13, 2012
at 3:44 am
What a well fabricated and easily understandable story! As one of the ‘A’ level setbook in Zimbabwe, it will be a stepping stone to a good pass in Lits in English.
By: Admire Chitumwa on March 22, 2012
at 1:03 pm
I feel so touched after reading such a well sorted out masterpiece REST IN PEACE MA’AM I’m an A level student studying lits at Berejena high hope to pass as it is understandable
By: Tinotenda kaela on April 6, 2012
at 2:48 pm
Victoria
Read the Book as my Literature Novel in College.A Caution to the in loves not to allow the in-laws affect their relationship.
By: Victoria on April 14, 2012
at 10:31 am
I went to school in Marima Ba high School but never realised the great things Ms Ba achieved and how she has set us (senegalese women) free.
May Allah welcome you in his highest Paradise!
By: Dieydiwa on April 16, 2012
at 10:01 am
Hie Nyaradzo!
I happen to teach ‘A’ Level Literature in Masvingo and agree that Scarlet Song is not just a novel but an emotional outlet considering the author’s real experiences in married life. Did u get to really grasp the title’s meaning? U can also b in touch with me on facebk – find Muneyi Ndamba. My e-mail is mmuneyi@gmail.com.
By: Muneyi Muneyi on April 17, 2012
at 6:18 am
It is the only book which tought me how 2 speek proper English , n I like it willing 2 get ma own copy bt cnt find it.
By: miraj on May 8, 2012
at 8:38 pm
I realy enjoyed reading this book but the ending did not satisfy me cauz i left in suspence
By: Smylo Ncube on May 14, 2012
at 6:32 pm
me too dear
By: ruefoxy on June 6, 2012
at 12:21 pm
One of the most inspirational books. Mariama left a great rememberance.RIP
By: Tatenda on May 21, 2012
at 7:37 pm
i found it very helpfull,i hve an idea of wat iz scarlet song since i hven’t startd readin it
By: tawanda arthur mutigwa on May 25, 2012
at 2:36 pm
im touched xa
By: ruefoxy on June 6, 2012
at 12:19 pm
I really love Mariama Ba’s books,this was one of the best African writers.May the Almighty Father rest her soul in peace
By: Pius oneya on June 13, 2012
at 5:29 pm
I LOVE IT……
By: KARTER on June 26, 2012
at 6:00 pm
Im doing my upper six in zvishavane zimbabwe .doing literature , geography and history.this book really touched me somehow of how women are treated by men its a pity.l jus love the novel because its a realist novel.
By: Chido on June 27, 2012
at 8:03 am
this book is very educating as it teaches us real life experiences as shown by Yaye Khady’s character.Djibril Gueye can be an example to some of the man out there…
By: jacqueline tanyaradzwa bhila on June 30, 2012
at 12:29 pm
this is a very good book for all the teenagers out there and it shows how people lived long back,though some marriages like these are still forbidden nowadays…………………………….am in love with it
By: mitchelle on June 30, 2012
at 12:36 pm
Harlaney, ziko, sibanda, bhazi, sulu, riva nd kuda ar going to hve 5 points each at lits, we al luv dis bk! OrIel baby
By: Harlaney on July 1, 2012
at 8:31 am
wat a wonderful book,u really did it from ua heart
By: colly van chitira on July 7, 2012
at 6:59 am
The book is nic its one of my favourite set book at Alevel in zimbabwe
By: Tatenda eve chiy on August 4, 2012
at 1:57 pm
A very well writen & touching african novel.it provides us with the day to day reality of what really happens in this racially divided world.thank you ba
By: Kudakwashe dangwa on August 7, 2012
at 10:19 am
headboi dangwa
By: dominic mudzurahona on May 1, 2013
at 11:34 am
This is a great summary l love it
By: Victor Ndlovu on August 9, 2012
at 9:21 am
The book is so fantastic and seems to educate women most;the problems they came through and other challenges.Thanks.
By: Kiprono korir on August 15, 2012
at 10:05 am
This book is so interesting,it has got a helpful message to everyone and it is one of my set book it will mek us pass.thank you..
By: Dee Pee on August 22, 2012
at 10:55 am
i.love..Scarlet..Song,ths..summary..iz..helpfull..indeed.
By: arthur on August 28, 2012
at 3:01 pm
jss luv it!thnk i’m gng 2 pss ma A-Level examz here in Zimbabwe coz i’m dng the txt in maLits sbjct at S.W.M.C.A HWANGE.may ma ba’s soul rst in pc.
By: Agatha Ngwenya on August 29, 2012
at 8:59 pm
Great summary of the book.It has assisted me alot in my pte. Good job
By: ERECTUS MOKAYA on September 5, 2012
at 11:53 am
Allow me to agree that the bk is not only a Zimsec lits set bt a remarkable piece of writing that appeals to one’s inner most senses and it has come from one of our own African woman with a determination to unveil the plight of women not only in the African social setting but the world at large.RIP Mariama
By: I luvd the notes n hope to read so long a letter on September 11, 2012
at 5:32 pm
Allow me to agree that the bk is not only a Zimsec lits set bt a remarkable piece of writing that appeals to one’s inner most senses and it has come from one of our own African woman with a determination to unveil the plightof women not only in the African social setting but the world at large.RIP Mariama
By: Tawanda Kandeya on September 11, 2012
at 5:37 pm
Scarlet song is on of the great books l have done for my A level studies.l love the wa Mariama tells us the advantages and disadvantages of interacial relationships.in this case it did not work out.
By: Tiara baluti on September 26, 2012
at 6:22 am
The book is absolutely amazing, no doubt. and my lit teacher makes it more wonderful, Godwilling, and with confidence, prudence and hard work, I will get an A in this subject, thanx to the book. though I hope more flesh and analysis will be added to this site….for our benefit as Zim students…
By: Keith Mpata on September 29, 2012
at 1:18 pm
What a sacrifice! Mireille falls inlove and marry Ousmane despite parental resistance! Nice one thats my A’level set book
By: Sibanda Elaine on October 5, 2012
at 1:54 pm
i’m studying the book for my alevel..but i think its wonderful anfd inspiring…
By: lotricia chenai on October 6, 2012
at 5:11 am
I DEFINETLY AGREE W TAWANDA SHE WAS REMARKABLE AUTHOUR WE DIDNT LOSE AN ORDINARY FEMINIST MAY HER SOUL RIP AND GUD LUCK 2 E ZIMSEC CANDIDATE WRITTING HER WORKS
By: THANDIE GATSHENI on October 16, 2012
at 10:21 am
Thnks ba.
By: Cliff Taruvinga on October 18, 2012
at 10:50 am
Never had i read before a wonderful piece hope we wil pass GLEN VIEW 1 HIGG Studients
By: Michael nyembe on October 23, 2012
at 5:32 am
The book is very interesting,as it talks about the challenges btwen youth,cultur and religion.and hw love has no barrier
By: Mohamed on November 2, 2012
at 6:48 pm
what an Amazing book! I stil hv a suspense though especially abt e end??? Bt nyc plot; definately my no1 so far
By: harlaney rocket on November 18, 2012
at 3:13 pm
good
By: concepta gora on November 25, 2012
at 3:13 am
I love literature so much,especially the African one. Mariama Ba is jus a star,nt jus bcoz of her being a feminist but her work is so inspirational.i have read so long a letter and was mch intrugued.as iam writing this comment im holding the novel scarlet song that iam looking forward to enjoying the same way i did so long a letter.
By: Rammah Dunmore on December 13, 2012
at 12:01 pm
i luv it,im also doing it in literature
By: moreen khahari on December 17, 2012
at 7:53 pm
The book is so much touching i like it ,im taking it for my PTE.
By: Veroo cheruiyot on January 12, 2013
at 5:50 pm
i’m also taking it fo my pte this yr august.best of luck.
By: benard omuri on March 20, 2013
at 1:20 pm
i’m also taking the book for my pte exams 2013 august.
By: Ben Omuri on March 20, 2013
at 1:24 pm
Oh good dats awesome aha do mission to kala for me ok!
By: Lynx chitsote on January 22, 2013
at 7:49 pm
has real made my learning easier & anywhere with my tecno!
By: wakwabubi dalmus on January 24, 2013
at 7:19 pm
I found dis summary useful since the book is my ‘A’level setbook the summary has made me understand the text
By: Nkosiyazie Kan Kanjirih on February 4, 2013
at 4:40 pm
Wow a nice touching story and I bet Mirielle was justified to stab her husband.Thanks to Mariama Ba for enlightening us as women.and also rest in peace!And as a student studying Scarlet Song for my a level exam this year i bet me my colleages at chaplin will pass very well.
By: amanda madzima on March 6, 2013
at 6:16 pm
wow a hard hitting book on the unfairness of life, especially on the issue of patriarchy.
By: polite khumalo (founders high school) on October 20, 2013
at 11:17 am
Quite interesting but can you summarise it chapter by chapter giving us an insight into the themes
By: Michael ndlovu on March 14, 2013
at 6:19 am
I have enjoyed reading this….thumbs up
By: Smyles elijah mussau on April 15, 2013
at 3:42 am
Interestin story….can you then tel us abt betrayal in this novel…also to add is who betrays who because by the look of things betrayal seems to be the dominating theme
By: Michael ndlovu on April 21, 2013
at 8:38 pm
The book is more fascinating.
By: Philip Wayaga on April 26, 2013
at 9:41 am
thats a touchng novel..though ousmane..rejected a white gal kupusa
By: dominic mudzurahona on May 1, 2013
at 11:37 am
Your information is good but needs some of a bit panel beating
By: Mthokozisi Sibanda on May 5, 2013
at 1:25 pm
am studing the scarlet song nw,it z aware, touching & inspiration 4women 2 overcome the oppression & discrimination in marriages.
By: Templeman chikangaire on May 9, 2013
at 2:24 am
I am teacher trainee at Kericho West ttc and i’ve found your summary informing,it teaches from known to unknown.congratz!
By: Kiprono Tonui on May 10, 2013
at 9:19 am
It’s a good book.I came a cross it when I joined college .it’s inspiring.
By: Eminent Oloo on May 26, 2013
at 7:12 am
that ws a gud sammary,wish u cld send me the characterizations of all the characters in the novel:-)
By: lydia manani on May 27, 2013
at 6:22 am
Hi thanx fo e summary. l’m a student @ guinea fowl high school & am doin my A level & scarlet song iz one of e books we are doing.May you pliz post me some information on the theme of religion via email.thanx in advance
By: winnie sakahuhwa on June 14, 2013
at 8:33 am
M teaching the book at A level, just began reading it nd am lovin it. Its quite intriguing
By: Olga ntuli on June 17, 2013
at 4:56 pm
Thnx vry mch dis haz helpd m since its ma A Level set book
By: Nkosiyazie Kan Kanjirih on July 2, 2013
at 8:03 pm
Its a touching piece of art.
By: kudakwashe phiri on July 8, 2013
at 4:22 am
I’d loved yo summary. Im currently doing this book as my A Level Literature setbook.
By: Masuku Mk on July 11, 2013
at 4:06 pm
thnk u,ur article has really helped me for my exam
By: laura on July 12, 2013
at 11:52 am
I like the analysis, it is good. The book scarlet song which is as wel part of my A level litriture sylabus, its plot is vivid, very vital and i like it.
By: Innocent Hato on July 21, 2013
at 3:39 am
this is a grt job fo summerizing d book in such a way , thnx fo this bcoz it is helping me a lot in my studies ,am doing ‘A’level in Zimbabwe so this book is one of the books we are studying now in literature studies so thanx again fo d summary and d book review . But again i owe it to the late Mariama Ba . R.I.P
By: tinashe teena sumani on July 22, 2013
at 3:50 am
I like the story because it very interesting and educative
By: kemboi gregory on July 31, 2013
at 1:37 am
A strong feminist book
By: Vuyelwa Sibindi on July 31, 2013
at 11:00 am
Scarlet Song is one of the best Afrcan Novels I have ever read; not once or twice, rather, it was still as sweet when I read it the sixth time, and then it still feels very nice.
By: Bills Mulenga AC on September 6, 2013
at 12:23 pm
the book is societal mirror to the world at large especially on the aspect of marriage and tradition then choices
By: nat on September 16, 2013
at 5:11 pm
defntly touchn truth n also edcatin.m doin it 4 my pte exams @ kipsigis ttc knya gd grounds of lit indeed. R.I.P MAMA.
By: Edwin kim on September 19, 2013
at 5:34 pm
i ave read da introduction part of it,n it is real interesting.plz send me the major themes through my email,thnx in advance.
By: peter nyamari on September 24, 2013
at 7:02 pm
i love it
By: emanuel nalobile on September 25, 2013
at 11:42 am
hey im writting my final exams on this book soon…wsh all my pals best wshes……………GOD BLESS US
By: tatenda on October 16, 2013
at 6:19 am
wow.!Ameen.God bless.!!!
By: Taslim Rejoice on October 22, 2013
at 9:21 am
i so much love this novel.its very nice teaching us women that all men are the same whether black or white shown by mireille’s father and ousmane
By: $momo on October 21, 2013
at 2:12 pm
i love it its such an educative novel about the plight of women in marriages…….thanks to mariama ba for such a wonderful piece of work.
By: nokukhanya tracy on October 21, 2013
at 2:15 pm
wondrful novel t z.studyin t 4 my A level,
By: Taslim Rejoice on October 22, 2013
at 9:18 am
i love this book so much,,it has actually enlightened me as far as marriage AND CHOICE AND also the expectations of the society(how they affect one`s life),,, this is one marvelous book,,,indeed,,one in a million,,,well done BA
By: THE LEGEND on November 5, 2013
at 12:37 pm
this is a gd bk with real facts about marriage and influence of the inlaws
By: dion chics on October 29, 2013
at 8:21 am
thank you for this doccument from nyahuni adventist students dion ,rumbie ellen,wendy,tino,tafi,blessing,andrwe,joseph
By: dion chics on October 29, 2013
at 8:28 am
its a great book that brings a student topen their minds and explore
By: rosebud gunda on November 10, 2013
at 2:37 pm
The novel is but awe-striking. This is a masterpiece. Ba Mariama your are real feminist. R.I.P.
By: JULLY. on November 18, 2013
at 11:07 am
thz a fabulous art tat has alot 2 learn with most probably in the school of love which tend 2 demolish all sets of conducts making it blind! yes luv is blind
By: kiptoo bett Nicholas on January 19, 2014
at 7:36 pm
I have liked the book and am ready to do it in my pte.
By: KEVIN MUKWENYI on January 21, 2014
at 6:43 am
The two are revealed as an amazing and effective team when working together at school but all that disappears at marriage and that beautifull image is marred. Simple, Ba puts at our disposal the evils of an inter-racial marriage without the basic knowledge of each respective culture which was to be the foundation of their marriage.
By: Edwinnah on January 29, 2014
at 10:57 am
Mariam Ba explicitly explores how far the issues of viz; racism , religion and education can have repurcussions on the very bonding love affaire which can lead to marriage, the fabric of a society. Juxtaposition has been economised effectly to reveal how classes jeopardise an interwoven society. It’s a wonderful novel that unveils the social ,economic and political domains that characterise the 21st century society.
By: Kipkoech Kones on February 7, 2014
at 8:07 am
what would you say about the form of writing In Scarlet song
By: allen on February 13, 2014
at 10:54 am
Grt job guyz.kip up.nyc n a bref summary it is.(zimbabwe)
By: The deedz on February 16, 2014
at 2:31 pm
Iam teaching A level literature at Masvingo Christian school ,Zimbabwe. Iam much concerned with the woman,s condition. I view Ba ,s work as feminist discourse that challenges hegemonic behaviour particularly in African societies where ‘ otherisation’ and subjugation of women are common practices. Women,s Collaborative behaviour is condemned as it reduces their freedom and emancipation.
By: Esther mavengano on March 13, 2014
at 4:06 pm
thanku i like it and enjoy reading for PTE july 2014 inshaallah
By: dakane abdi noor on March 22, 2014
at 4:25 pm
love this site and gives a much clear understanding of the whole text ‘scarlet song’ by Mariama ba
By: knowledge moyo on April 3, 2014
at 7:20 am
Thanks for sumarising the scarlet song.keep up the standard.
By: Alice on April 3, 2014
at 6:20 pm
the summation is great i,I lyk the book & Im studying it for my Az
By: luwayne on April 30, 2014
at 12:55 pm
am acollege student doing literature but i’d like to comment that this writer of scarlet song did agreat work because the book has alot of inspiration to the youths and also to old people. congratulation
By: paul ochieng otieno on May 3, 2014
at 8:00 am
gud book
By: tino on May 7, 2014
at 10:50 pm
so good
By: maxen on May 25, 2014
at 12:07 pm
I love mariama ba’s work…she hints out everyting and without the brains u could swear the story has nothing to do with feminism
By: Tanatswa Amanda on May 25, 2014
at 6:38 pm
loved it big time
By: NEIL on May 30, 2014
at 10:50 pm
thank u for an gud summary and am asking the analysis of this noovel ´critical appreciation´
By: kudzie fish on June 3, 2014
at 7:11 pm
requesting for a phamflet
By: otieno on June 3, 2014
at 8:46 pm
this was one of the literature book while pursing my studies as a teacher it is such an interesting book both emotional and inspiring. Missing the discussions we used to have in relation to the whole story
By: Cristine on July 18, 2014
at 8:40 am
i am Dennis simiyu a second year student at samburu teachers college,the summarization of of the novel has made it more interesting,understandable,enjoyable according to the level of learners.
By: Dennis simiyu on July 26, 2014
at 3:56 pm
let me also have the same knowledge like that one of Ba I salute you my boss
By: fair on September 13, 2014
at 1:56 pm
i want charecter nd hw thy re viewed as wel as themes which i ellicudated further
By: kudzie fish on October 5, 2014
at 2:09 pm
Wow
By: Lisah on October 9, 2014
at 3:53 am
This was handsomely done kip up the gud work
By: Clayton on October 9, 2014
at 11:42 pm
i love the text am gwg t pass m alevel cz am ding the text at hermann gmeiner high xool bindura.i lve literature.
By: takudzwa nomathamsanqa on October 12, 2014
at 11:09 pm
thanks for this work it helps training primary teachers to get easy during study time, keep it up to other novels and even plays.
By: stephen ouma on October 18, 2014
at 9:27 am
I love this book it has helped m a lot in ma studies
By: kelvin munya chakona on December 30, 2014
at 3:41 pm
The book is amazing ,written with the interest of women in africa luv the book
By: Fadzai Mudekwa on January 14, 2015
at 7:35 pm
a wonderful African novel I’ve every rade .it is interesting and easy to understand. I’m doing my ‘a’ level at filabusi high school and I really enjoyed reading this novel
By: Kudakwashe Dube on January 18, 2015
at 9:13 am
anx guyz with ya contributions, u hve bn really helpful bt give us the explanation of hw myths, legend n relidion are being treated in this novel
By: prince andi on January 21, 2015
at 11:41 am
we need myths, legends n religion abt hw they are being treated in this novel
By: prince mandi on January 21, 2015
at 11:43 am
this summary gave me a clear insight of the text……good analysis
By: edward t rukwesa on February 4, 2015
at 9:42 am
perfect piece of work crying out on the need racism and religious discrimination
By: mwangi margaret on February 19, 2015
at 12:30 pm
I love the summary of book. good work.
By: Irene Monda on February 25, 2015
at 12:30 pm
am doing scarlet song in my pte at kamagambo ttc this year.n i wil lov it if you explaind a litle more on the theme racial animosity
By: Christine nyanduko on April 7, 2015
at 2:48 pm
i think ur simplification of the book is applausible.nice job
By: alex karani on April 14, 2015
at 6:20 pm
I eventually got this story and I have really enjoyed the scarlet songs wen I was doing my matric year in 2000 since that tym I became a very good novel reader for i have been inspired by Maria ma ba kip it up novel writers u really du good job says wa lazarus chinkhuzi
By: lazarus chinkhuzi on May 20, 2015
at 10:27 pm
I want to very kindly pay a pretty special tribute to Mariama Ba. She,among all other African writers gave my heart profound inspiration. My very kind request goes out to all aspiring writers. Kindly read this book and your work of art will be outstanding if not exceptional. Everyone ought to be absolutely wary before they dare getting in marriage life. Ladies,get warned.
By: kelvin on August 29, 2015
at 7:37 pm
I love the summary of the book,its very simple and clear.am from narok ttc
By: Laurine tiera on September 20, 2015
at 1:17 pm
the book is so interesting since it portray what is happening day to day life
By: patrick muthom on October 20, 2015
at 4:22 pm
Keep it up, this is an excerllent book for my collage course.
By: Brian nyandege on November 25, 2015
at 7:57 am
job well done, im at Marymount Teachers College,
By: paula makwangudze on March 22, 2016
at 8:26 pm
The Scarlet Song is interesting. It’s the real life situation, good job!!
By: Silas on April 13, 2016
at 12:30 pm
am a teacher trainee ugenya ttc, av realy lyk this summary of mariama ba scarlet song since it has drown negative altitude 2wads it. am ready 2 lov it,read & do it in my pte 2017
By: mary kithasya on June 8, 2016
at 7:22 am
This is very interesting & I appreciate it.Can you send me a guide?
By: KIPRONO KOECH on July 12, 2016
at 7:25 am
the novel is touching
By: noa nyamai on October 15, 2016
at 11:45 am
i love the whole about scarlet song novel ……kindly send me summary of every chapter and themes and chacterization of the book………include everything that is relevant coz am a student and all these will help me ……thanks in advance.
By: philip on October 25, 2016
at 5:56 pm
I really love it. This work is so interesting as it represents mostly today’s life and the idea of cross-cultural-marriages. It helps me a lot. My thesis is about Ba’s works. Thanks, appreciated
By: Elsadig on November 25, 2016
at 5:19 am
superb novel i like it
By: vincent kiptui on November 25, 2016
at 3:15 pm
Mariama Ba you have succeeded in hurting my feelings. Its so sad. Whenever l repeat the book l see reality and l feel like commiting suicide. ALTHOUGH, well done.
By: Paidalisa on February 23, 2017
at 2:43 pm
i found it so fascinating
By: Enock Kibet on May 23, 2017
at 7:20 am
i love the book ” the scarlet song” i read it when i was doing my high school in Malawi
By: Given Chilambo on June 30, 2017
at 11:37 am