Cameroon’s modern literature is as dynamic as the country itself, shaped by a rich blend of historical influences, linguistic diversity, and cultural intersections. Written in both English and French, Cameroonian authors have gained global recognition, addressing themes like identity, post-colonialism, migration, and social justice. A growing number of these works have reached U.S. audiences, contributing to the broader tapestry of African literature.
While no single theme can define a country’s literary output, many Cameroonian writers explore the impact of colonialism, the challenges of life in the diaspora, and the socio-political struggles within their homeland. One particularly significant theme is bilingualism and its role in shaping personal and national identity. The conflict between the country’s anglophone and francophone regions, compounded by the marginalization of over 200 indigenous languages, continues to be a focal point of both literature and national discourse.
As someone fascinated by Cameroon’s cultural and linguistic landscape, I’ve enjoyed reading non-fiction by contemporary Cameroonian authors since our first episode on the Duala and Abo languages (Episode 120) and our most recent episode on Babanki & Cameroon Pidgin (Episode 150). Here are some of the books that have made an impact on me, and I hope they resonate with you as well.
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Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue: A Thought-Provoking Story of Dreams, Struggle, and Identity
I recently finished Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue, and I was captivated from start to finish.
At the center of this story is Jende, a Cameroonian immigrant who lives in New York City with the hope of building a better life. After working a series of low-paying jobs, including as a livery driver and dishwasher, Jende secures a well-paying position as a chauffeur for a wealthy banker at Lehman Brothers. This job opens up new opportunities for him and his family, including his wife Neni, who dreams of becoming a pharmacist, and their young son Liomi.
The contrast between Jende’s struggles and the privileged lives of his employers is striking. While Jende is navigating the precarious path to asylum, the family he works for is coming apart in unexpected ways. The banker’s wife confides in Neni about her struggles, while the banker himself turns to secrecy as his world crumbles during the financial meltdown. Meanwhile, Jende is asked to conceal his boss’s actions, testing his moral boundaries and putting his own livelihood at risk.
The Immigrant Experience & the American Dream
This story is important for so many reasons. It’s a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience, highlighting just how hard people work to achieve their dreams in America. The juxtaposition between Jende’s family and the wealthy family he works for is a reminder of the vast inequality in society. While one family fights for their survival, the other is struggling with the consequences of excess.
What struck me most was seeing the Lehman Brothers collapse of 2008 through the eyes of those indirectly affected — people who weren’t part of the headline stories which dominated the news that year, but whose lives were deeply intertwined with the events. The novel highlights the human side of the financial collapse with heart and nuance.
But more than that, Behold the Dreamers shines a light on the fragility of the American Dream. For Jende and Neni, this dream seems within reach initially, but as their circumstances unravel, they realize that the promise of a better life in the U.S. is not guaranteed. Their story highlights and echos the millions of people who’ve come to America in search of something better, only to find that the dream is just that — a dream.
Language, Culture, and the Richness of Cameroonian Identity
Marriage, parenthood, and work are central themes in this novel, and Mbue does an incredible job showing how these pillars of life can both give and take. Jende’s and Neni’s marriage begins to strain as they face financial pressures, moral dilemmas, and cultural conflicts. The couple’s differing views on how to achieve success in America and how far they’re willing to go to stay in the country put them at odds.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this novel is how Mbue incorporates Cameroonian culture, language, and food into the narrative. Jende and Neni cook traditional Cameroonian dishes like puff-puff, and we also hear Pidgin, Bakweri, French, and other Bantu languages, bringing a robust and realistic cultural element to the story. There’s even a reference to the iconic Pathmark in Harlem (RIP), which is a fun nod to NYC life that many readers can relate to.
Other Cameroonian Reads
The story in Behold the Dreamers is a reminder that the struggles of immigrants often go unseen, but their perseverance is nothing short of heroic. Mbue’s portrayal of the financial collapse and the personal toll it took on those at the margins adds another layer to the conversation about economic inequality and the pursuit of the American Dream. It touches on themes of identity, resilience, and what it means to belong — not just in a foreign country but in a world that’s constantly changing. If you’re looking for a novel that will make you think, question, and feel, this is the book for you.
I was drawn to Les Impatientes because it marks Djaïli Amadou Amal’s English-language debut, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. This novel presents a profound narrative about life in this area of Cameroon, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by women. It’s not an easy read, but it resonates deeply with me, especially in how it portrays the heartbreaking stories of women whose dreams are often shattered by patriarchal systems, a theme that is tragically universal.
The novel tells the stories of three women: Ramla, Safira, and Hindou. Each is trapped in marriages that strip them of their agency, forcing them to grapple with societal expectations of patience and submission, even when facing emotional and physical abuse. These themes of resistance and endurance are central to the book, and I found myself reflecting on how these women’s lives mirror those of so many women around the world.
For the second book, A Long Way from Douala, it’s a road trip through Cameroon that covers themes of family, migration, and self-discovery. The protagonist, Jean, along with his friend Simon, embarks on a journey to find Jean’s brother, who has left in pursuit of a better life in Europe. Along the way, the two encounter diverse landscapes and people that highlight the country’s socio-political landscape, including regional tensions and the looming presence of Boko Haram.
The novel captures the complexities of life in Cameroon, and it also offers readers a glimpse into the country’s unique linguistic diversity. In fact, the inclusion of a glossary with terms from Camfranglais, enhances the authenticity of the narrative.
Comment Cuisiner Son Mari À L’Africaine ( How to Cook Your Husband the African Way) by Calixthe Beyala is an amusing, over-the-top tale of seduction. Aïssatou, the protagonist, is determined to win the heart of her Malian neighbor by using traditional West African cooking as her weapon of choice. The book’s humor is rooted in the absurd situations that arise, particularly with the neighbor’s quirky relationship with his elderly mother, who owns a rooster.
What’s more, the book provides actual recipes, making it a quirky combination of romance, comedy, and culinary adventure.
So, tell me, have you read any of these stories or do you have any other Cameroonian reads to share? Let me know in the comments!
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