100% NZ-owned | All books ship from NZ 📚

Segu

4.1 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 1,961 ratings, 258 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
Segu by Maryse Condé transports readers to the late 18th century in the West African kingdom of Segu. The novel follows the Traore family as they navigate the upheavals brought by European colonisation, the spread of Islam, and the slave trade's impact. Rich in cultural and historical detail, the book offers an intimate portrayal of family and societal transformation during a time of great change.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2400
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 2-3 weeks
Add to Wishlist

Found a better price? Request a price match

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 enjoy epic tales that delve into African history, offering a rich tapestry of culture, political upheaval, and personal drama. Set in the Mali Empire, it's a captivating journey through family dynamics, tradition, and the impact of external influences, providing both historical depth and engaging storytelling.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Segu

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

The bestselling epic novel of family, treachery, rivalry, religious fervour and the turbulent fate of a people.

The year is 1797, and the kingdom of Segu is flourishing. The people of Segu, the Bambara, are guided by their griots and priests while their lives are ruled by nature. But change is about to come - from the east comes a new religion, Islam, and from the West, the slave trade.

Segu follows the life of Dousika Traore, the king's most trusted advisor, and his four sons - Tiekoro, who embraces Islam; Siga, a merchant; Naba, who is kidnapped by slave traders; and Malobali, a mercenary and half-hearted Christian.

Based on historical events, Segu captures the struggle of a growing nation trying to cope with jihads, national rivalries and racism.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

View all

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?

Segu by Maryse Condé is celebrated for its vibrant and intricate storytelling, bringing nineteenth-century West African history to life through its well-drawn characters and complex relationships. The novel is praised for its rich cultural detail and the way it vividly explores political, social, and personal dynamics across continents and centuries. Critics appreciate its immersive narrative and view it as both a powerful historical exploration and a deeply engaging family saga.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241293515

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 April 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Barbara Bray
  • Translated by Barbara Bray

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 349g

Pages: 512

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

About the Author

Maryse Conde (Author) Maryse Conde was born at Pointe- -Pitre, Guadeloupe, in 1937 and spent most of her life in West Africa (Guinea, Ghana and Senegal), France and the US, where she taught at the University of California, Berkeley, UCLA and Columbia. The publication of her bestselling third novel, Segu (1984), established her pre-eminent position among Caribbean writers. She won Le Grand Prix Litteraire de la Femme in 1986 as well as Le Prix de L'Academie Fran aise in 1988 and was shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize in 2015.

Also by Maryse Condé

View all

More from Historical Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 20,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Pick Ups

Auckland Pick Ups

We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

header_image
5.0
836 reviews
Olaf Q_image
2 hours ago
Verified
Great experience. Shipped within a few hours of my order and arrived the next day, packaged very securely. Thanks!
Lakin L_image
16 hours ago
Verified
Fantastic service! Heaps of new release and older books on the website with competitive prices! Shipping is super fast and customer service is excellent! Can’t recommend highly enough
Diana H_image
1 day ago
Verified
Unbelievably quick!! Excellent communication and book arrived next day. Highly recommend :)
Margo K_image
2 days ago
Verified
Was delighted to find Book Hero after being alerted by a friend. My first order has just arrived speedily and efficiently. This is a great new venture and I wish Book Hero all the best and am telling all my bookish friends about the business. Margo Knightbridge
Show more
Ashleigh J_image
2 days ago
Verified
Love the selection of book choices, way too many to choose from. Also super fast delivery, my new favourite online book store 😍🥰
Julie D_image
2 days ago
Verified
Great very fast service!! Will definitely buy from book hero next time I need a book