"Segu" is a very good historical novel, one of the few that are set in Africa's historical past (circa 1800-1860). The novel's protagonists are an aristocratic family in the empire of Segu (now part of Mali) swept up in the historical currents of the time: Islam, Christianity, European imperialism, and the Atlantic Slave trade. As with "Roots", the story is told from the African perspective, which is refreshing and much needed. The novel is well written and filled with abundant historical detail. There are many deatils here that a student might research in a library, for example: the different lifestyles of the Fulani and Bambara and relations between them; the "Brazilians" in Africa, former slaves from South America that managed to return to Africa; the socio-economic status of Africans of mixed-(European and African) ancestry.

It seems a pity that many young people are forced to read this book in school; hopefully they will return to it when they have the maturity to understand and appreciate it.

I read this book as a sophomore in high school, and I loved it. I was not, however, forced to read it for a class, which I know can severely distort a student's perspective. I loved the generational quality of the story and I loved reading about this period in African history from an African perspective. I've always been interested in history, and I think that historical fiction is a wonderful supplement to reading "about" history. It puts the reader in that time and place and allows them to truly understand what it must have been like to live there.

Other historical fiction I recommend: Anything by Mary Renault (The Last of the Wine, Fire from Heaven, etc.) The Great Train Robbery, by Michael Crichton

Other books about this period in Africa I recommend: Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe (which I WAS forced to read for school, and still liked)

I fell in love with the main character. His adventures and misfortunes kept me intrigued. I learned so much about the land and the structures of the different tribes and kingdoms, that I have used the book for reference. I spoke with Ms Conde and told her I was disappointed with the fate of one character and she merely said, "It had to happen." I felt the heat of the land and the warmth of characters and the deep belief in the different faiths of the many regions she covered. This is a must read.