A Letter to Liberation: A Review of Mariama Ba’s So Long a Letter

Mariama Ba’s epistolary novel offers an honest critique of patriarchal norms in the post-colonial Senegalese. Framed as a personal letter from a Senegalese schoolteacher, Ramatoulaye, to her Aissatou, who lives abroad. The novel explores the themes of female solidarity, female struggles, misogynistic customs, the pains of polygamy, and the manipulation of religion to silence women.

The novel begins with Ramatoulaye Fall, a widowed Senegalese schoolteacher who writes a long, reflective letter to her lifelong friend, Aissatou Ba, who lives in the United States. Ramatoulaye uses this correspondence to reminisce about her 30-year-old marriage to Madou Fall, his betrayal, her struggles, and her eventual liberation from the religious patriarchy that binds her. 

Through the novel’s flashbacks, Mariama reveals how women are often used as a means for others’ financial gain, as seen in the character Binetou, Madou’s second wife, who was sold into marriage for her mother’s financial and social benefit. During the mourning period, Mariama reveals how people exploit widows in the name of sympathising with them. For instance, during the process of Madou’s funeral, Binetou’s family selfishly claimed many of his assets while Ramatoulaye played the traditional role of the submissive widow. 

Ramatoulaye grapples with her husband’s betrayal and her struggles while remaining a devout Muslim, reflecting how faith perpetuates female oppression and justifies patriarchy rather than condemns it. This is demonstrated in the emotional and financial consequences of polygamy on women like Ramatoulaye. 

The contrast of Ramatoulaye’s situation with Aissatou shows the pains of polygamy and how women are forced to make choices that may not benefit them. Aissadou’s decision to divorce her husband after he married a second wife presents a liberated approach where women can choose to sever ties with the oppressive system. Ramtoulaye’s decision to stay because of her children showcases the biased belief that women must sacrifice their happiness for motherhood.

The bond of friendship between Ramatoulaye and Aissadou serves as a beacon of strength and support, proving that women do not need men to validate their worth. Their shared experiences and letter create a powerful bond and sisterhood that paves the way for Ramatoulaye to heal from her pains and finally choose herself. 

Ramatoulaye’s rejection of the two marriage proposals after her husband’s mourning boldly addresses the need for women to choose a life of autonomy over another marriage. This resistance marks the embrace of her independence and her decision to prioritise her own fulfilment over societal pressures to remarry.

So Long a Letter ends with Ramatoulaye looking forward to Aissadou’s return from the United States. This demonstrates a positive, unbreakable friendship that will provide strength and support to each other, proving that supporting women is a core key to ultimately liberating women from oppressive, unjust systems.