Part one of term paper
The novel was published in 1960, just before Senegal became independent. It is based on a famous railroad strike which occurred in 1947-48. The novel focuses on the late stages of French colonialism. Sembene writes a dramatic and compelling story about the strike. He also uses it to make economic, political, and cultural points, as well, in s ...

Part two of term paper
... and "good" read. It has a "cinematic" quality in its emphasis on visual imagery, setting, and action. The opening descriptions of place (Bamako) and person (Niakoro) are typical. So is the set-up for "Thiès: The City" on page 13. Note, as well, how the narrative seems to "pan" the market place on pages 15 and 16. The large number of characters and the way the setting moves from place to place may pose some difficulty, but they're fairly simple to sort out. The map helps with places. Making lists o ...