#22 At Night All Blood is Black, by David Diop

 





Booker Prize:  Winner International Booker 2021

Plot Time and Place: First World War, on the battlefront, and Senegal

Opening sentence:  "I know, I understand, I shouldn't have done it."

Plot summary: Alfa and Mademba are two Senegalese soldiers fighting in the Great War. Then Mademba is mortally wounded and dies. Without his more-than-brother, Alfa is alone and lost amidst the savagery of the conflict. How far will he go to make amends to his dead friend?

Review:  I really enjoyed the writing, it is very melodic and beautiful. I also liked the story, touching on the themes of war, courage, friendship, grief, regret.

Rating:  4/5








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