The Story

This isn't a novel with a single plot. Think of it as two books in one. The first part is Equilbecq's long essay where he tries to make sense of the oral stories he collected. He sorts them, analyzes them, and compares them to European folklore. The second part is the treasure: the actual stories themselves. We meet trickster hares, wise elders, and gods who walk among people. These are tales about why the bat flies at night, how wisdom came to the world, and the consequences of breaking promises.

Why You Should Read It

You get a double perspective here. The stories are vibrant and timeless—you'll see roots of tales you might recognize. But just as compelling is watching Equilbecq's mind work. He clearly admired the creativity he found, yet his writing is stamped with the early 1900s European worldview. It makes you think about who gets to tell stories and how they get remembered. It's less about passive reading and more about engaging with a historical document that's full of life.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious readers who love myth and history, especially if you enjoy seeing how stories travel and change. It's for anyone interested in the roots of African folklore before it was widely published in the West. If you like your reading to come with a side of real-world context—the complicated history of how cultures meet and document each other—this is a uniquely rewarding find. Just be ready to read between the lines.