{"product_id":"9780253109545","title":"Nation-Building, Propaganda, and Literature in Francophone Africa","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat characterizes the relationship between literature and the state?\u003cbr\u003e Should literature serve the needs of the state by constructing national\u003cbr\u003e consciousness, espousing state propaganda, and molding good citizens? Or should it\u003cbr\u003e be dedicated to a different kind of creative social endeavor? In this important book\u003cbr\u003e about literature and the politics of nation-building, Dominic Thomas assesses the\u003cbr\u003e contributions of Francophone African writers whose works have played a key role in\u003cbr\u003e the recent transition to democracy in the Congo. Exploring the works of Sony Labou\u003cbr\u003e Tansi, Henri Lopes, and Emmanuel Dongala, among others, Thomas highlights writers\u003cbr\u003e intimately involved with government and politics -- whether in support of the\u003cbr\u003e state's vision or with the intention of articulating a more open view of citizens\u003cbr\u003e and society. Focusing on themes such as collaboration, reconciliation, identity,\u003cbr\u003e history, and memory, Nation-Building, Propaganda, and Literature in Francophone\u003cbr\u003e Africa elaborates a broader understanding of the circumstances of African\u003cbr\u003e colonization, modern African nation-state formation, and the complex cultural\u003cbr\u003e dynamics at work in Africa since independence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Indiana University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47084694405360,"sku":"9780253109545","price":18.35,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9780253109545_p0.jpg?v=1763681137","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9780253109545","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}