Xala by Ousmane Sembène

The book is a satirical novel set in post-independence Senegal, exploring themes of corruption, power, and tradition. It follows the story of a wealthy businessman who, after taking a third wife, finds himself afflicted with xala, a curse of impotence. His desperate attempts to cure his condition expose the hypocrisy and moral decay of the newly established elite, as he navigates the clash between modernity and traditional beliefs. The narrative serves as a critique of the neocolonialism that persists in African societies, highlighting the struggles between personal gain and societal progress.

The 4626th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 90

Since this book was first published in 1973, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 90.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.