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At Night All Blood is Black

WINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZE 2021
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( 27,528 ratings, 3,937 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
At Night All Blood is Black by David Diop is a poignant exploration of the psychological impact of war. Set during World War I, it follows a Senegalese soldier grappling with the trauma of his best friend's death. A journey into the complexity of the human psyche, it delves into themes of grief, identity, and the haunting nature of revenge.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in a gripping tale that delves into the psychological impact of war. Set during World War I, it offers a haunting exploration of friendship, trauma, and revenge through the eyes of a Senegalese soldier. Its blend of raw emotion and lyrical prose creates a powerful reading experience.

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At Night All Blood is Black

The prize-winning story of a Senegalese soldier in the trenches, told in hypnotic, powerful prose. Winner of the 2021 International Booker Prize.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Alfa and Mademba are two of the many Senegalese soldiers fighting in the Great War. Together they climb dutifully out of their trenches to attack France's German enemies whenever the whistle blows, until Mademba is wounded, and dies in a shell hole with his belly torn open.

Without his more-than-brother, Alfa is alone and lost amidst the savagery of the conflict. He devotes himself to the war, to violence and death, but soon begins to frighten even his own comrades in arms. How far will Alfa go to make amends to his dead friend?

At Night All Blood is Black is a hypnotic, heartbreaking rendering of a mind hurtling towards madness.

'So incantatory and visceral I don't think I'll ever forget it' - Ali Smith, Guardian Book of the Year

'This slight book explodes with extraordinary force - readers will not forget it in a hurry' - The Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month & Year

'An extraordinary novel, full of sadness, rage and beauty' - Sarah Waters

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

At Night All Blood is Black by David Diop is heralded for its powerful and visceral narrative, exploring the dehumanising effects of war and colonialism. Critics praise its incantatory and unforgettable storytelling, highlighting the blurred lines between courage and madness. The novel is noted for its intense, poetic exploration of humanity, inhumanity, and the complex aftermath of World War I.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781782277538

Publisher: Pushkin Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 May 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pushkin Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Anna Moschovakis

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 160

About the Author

David Diop was born in Paris in 1966 and grew up in Senegal. He now lives in France, where he is a professor of eighteenth century literature at the University of Pau. At Night All Blood is Black is David's second novel. It was shortlisted for ten major prizes in France and won the Prix Goncourt des Lyceens. It has so far been translated into 13 languages, winning the Italian Strega European Prize, the Dutch Europese Literatuurprijs and the Swiss Prix Ahmadou-Kourouma. At Night All Blood is Black is also a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize and was the winner of the 2021 International Booker Prize.

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