The Republic of Monkeys

Description

This collection is a cycle of short stories that describes the political and cultural currents that govern contemporary life in Cote D’Ivoire. The writer speaks several African languages and has lived in a number of African countries. He reflects on the collision between pre-colonial life styles and values and those of the conquering French; but in the main he focuses on the corruption of the new ruling elite and how it conspires with the old masters to reinforce the domination of the few at the expense of the impoverished majority. As such, it is s hard-hitting often satirical look at the disappointments of independence.