40 pages • 1 hour read
David Diop, Transl. Anna MoschovakisAt Night All Blood Is Black: A Novel
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In At Night All Blood Is Black, Alfa Ndiaye, a Senegalese soldier in WWI, is haunted by guilt after witnessing the prolonged death of his friend Mademba Diop. Choosing to avenge his friend, Alfa becomes consumed by violence, disemboweling enemy soldiers and collecting their hands. Initially celebrated as brave, he is soon feared, leading to his psychological breakdown and an increasingly erratic quest for redemption. The narrative explores war's psychological trauma and the impact of colonialism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David Diop's At Night All Blood Is Black, translated by Anna Moschovakis, presents a harrowing exploration of war and its psychological toll. Critics praise its lyrical prose and compelling portrayal of trauma. However, some find its graphic violence overwhelming. Despite this, the novel’s emotional depth and unique perspective on postcolonial experiences remain impactful.
Who Should Read At Night All Blood Is Black?
Readers who appreciated the psychological intensity of The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien or the haunting introspection of All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque would enjoy At Night All Blood Is Black. It is ideal for those interested in war narratives that explore complex human emotions and the African experience in WWI.