French Literature Reviews - 2026

The Novel Effect: The Arrival of the Novel in African Languages
Francophone and Oral Literatures

journal ITINÉRAIRES et CONTACTS DE CULTURES (Paris 13, CENEL)
Volume 38, The Novel Effect: The Arrival of the Novel in African Languages
Edited by Xavier Garnier and Alain Ricard

28 €, ISBN : 2-296-02510-2, ISSN : 1157-0342

Many African languages are written, but in which of them can we actually read novels—that is to say, long works of prose fiction? Written narrative
has always been seen as a way to attract and retain a readership: in the early 20th century, missionary press initiatives encouraged authors to tell
stories in writing. Both speakers and promoters of these languages are keenly aware of the "novel effect," a distinct impact proper to prose fiction. This awareness of the text's power goes hand in hand with a recognition of the novel's significance as a true book, marking the genuine emergence of a literary tradition.
This straightforward question is, in fact, difficult to address. Not only does it force us to rethink the theory of the novel, but it also demands rare philological expertise. We found this expertise among a group of European researchers who recognize the importance of literature in modern culture and wish to demonstrate concretely that multiculturalism is meaningless without multilingualism. Here, we use the French language as a tool to gain insight into Africa—a novel and far too rarely explored path within Francophone studies!

This volume is the result of a seminar held from 2001 to 2005 at LLACAN (CNRS).

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Xavier GARNIER and Alain RICARD 9

Part One: The Missionary Moment

Raketaka Zandriko [Raketaka the Little Sister] by Andriamatoa Rabary (Malagasy, 1904): The Martyrdom of Matrimony
Beby RAJONOASI and Claire RIFFARD 37

USamson [Samson] by Samuel Mqayi (Xhosa, 1906): Disputes Surrounding a First Novel
Jeff OPLAND 49

Bere Adu [The Time Has Come] by J. J. Adaye (Akan, 1913): A Novel in the Service of Development
Erika EICHHOLZER 57

Part Two: The Colonial Moment
Nnanga Kon [The White Albino] by Jean-Louis Njemba Medou (Bulu, 1932): A Unique Novel
Marie-Rose ABOMO-MAURIN 79

Omenuko by Pita Mwana (Igbo, 1933): The Vicissitudes of Tortoise
Françoise UGOCHUKWU 95

The Year 1934: A Bouquet of Hausa Novels
Bernard CARON 115

Uhuru wa Watumwa by James Mbotela (Kiswahili, 1934): A Politically Over-Correct First Novel
Said KHAMIS 129

Part Three: The National Moment

What Is the First Gikuyu Novel? Debate Surrounding a National Literature
Cristiana PUGLIESE 145

Lwali n Wedrar by Belaid At-Ali (Kabyle, 1945): A Demythologizing Legend
Amar AMEZIANE 153

Amegbetoa alo Agbezuge fe nutinya by Sam Obianim (Ewe, 1949): An Exalted Quest for Humanity
Simon Agbeko AMEGBLEAME 169

Zinunula Omunaku by Edward K. N. Kawere (Luganda, 1954): A Novel of National Formation
Christine GLANZ 183

Feso, the First Shona Novel: A National Allegory?
Maurice VAMBE and Flora VEIT-WILD 195

Ndikkiri joom moolo [Ndikkiri the Guitarist] by Yero Dooro Jallo, the First Fulani Novel
Aliou MOHAMADOU 211

Part Four: The Experimental Moment

In Search of the First Somali Novel: Narrative Structure and Romantic Figures
Didier MORIN 233

Bø gbæ ðie a ?, the First Fon Novel by Alidenu Vignondé: An Exercise in Writing
Jean-Norbert VIGNONDÉ 267

The Winding Path of a Bambara Novel: Kanuya Wale [An Act of Love] by Samba Niaré (1996)
Jean DERIVE 279

Elements for Future Research: Kuusaa Gadoo, the First Oromo Novel (1983)
Catherine GRIEFENOW-MEWIS and Tameme BITIMA 303

Aawo bi, the First Wolof Novel (1992)
Guédj FALL 311

Ntabajyana, the First Novel in Kinyarwanda (1962) 314

This volume gathers contributions examining how long works of prose fiction emerged in numerous African languages, moving from early missionary press initiatives to later historical moments. By questioning in which languages we can actually read novels, the collection addresses a complex topic that prompts a reexamination of novel theory and requires specialized philological expertise. The studies explore specific linguistic contexts and texts, highlighting the distinct impact proper to prose fiction and its role in marking the genuine emergence of a literary tradition through the written word.

Rooted in a seminar held from 2001 to 2005 at LLACAN, the book brings together European researchers to demonstrate that multiculturalism is meaningless without multilingualism, utilizing the French language as a tool for this exploration. The chapters trace developmental phases such as the missionary, colonial, national, and experimental moments, discussing individual works across diverse languages including Malagasy, Xhosa, Bulu, Igbo, Kiswahili, and Somali. Readers interested in African literary history and comparative approaches to prose fiction may find this collection relevant to their research.