#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