Episode 27|2 : Ambiguous Adventure

Dévorer le tabou: la révolution à travers l’acte de manger – Les Bookworms

Dans cet épisode, nous discutons le livre de Lauren Malka – Mangeuses : Histoire de celle qui dévorent, savourent ou se privent a l’excès. Nous explorons les expériences universelles et personnelles lie à l’acte de manger, passant de la honte et de la culpabilité à la célébration et à la joie. Nous examinons les pressions politique et sociétales qui ont contrôle et critique le corps de femmes.  Et surtout, nous célébrons l’acte de rébellion de s’aimer tel que nous sommes et de savourer chaque bouchée de ce confit de canard !

1. Dévorer le tabou: la révolution à travers l’acte de manger 31:23
2. Searching for Justice: Proust and the Dreyfus Affair 40:50
3. Through the Pages of Time 55:01
4. In Search of Lost Podcasts: Les Bookworms Revival 28:08
5. 2 Down 5 to Go: Reflections on Volume II of Proust 30:07

Overview

This short novel is one of two works by Cheikh Hamidou Kane who has since become a legend of African literature. Similarly to other works we’ve seen this season, Kane explores essentialism and existentialism within this novel. He weaves imaginary or allegorical perspectives with real history, social and political matrices, and philosophical questions on what it means to exist within the imperial and republican France as someone who is  non-white and not from the metropole. He does this primarily through presenting the story of Samba Diallo who leaves his home to study in France. The book divides the experience into before, during, and after and explores various intellectual ideas and the interactions between African cultures and French culture. Beyond the representation of Samba’s experience, this book also depicts black cultural nationalism and African-centered notions of modernity and modernization. 

Country

France and Senegal

Overarching Themes

1. Cheikh Hamidou Kane/negritude movement
2. Africa vs the West
3. Philosophy and Religion

How does this book question the idea of the Francophonie? (Does it go against the grain? Does it stay stereotypical?) 

This book definitely expands the Francophonie in two ways: the first being the subject matter presented in the book and second being the author himself and his intentions for the book. He is a legend in African literature and this book explores various themes surrounding the legacy and reality of the Francophonie. It has become a reference in questioning the many African identities, the role Europeans have played historically, and how to embrace both their hybrid and authentic experiences and identities. As we’ve progressed through this season, I continue to think about the idea of the Francophonie and how there needs to be more acknowledgment and repairing of the consequences of colonization.