So long a letter

So long a story is a novel originally written in French by the Senegalese writer Mariama Bâ. The novel captures a love story between two females, a friendship that is a strength through the years, that remains constant even as other relationships flourish and fade.

Quotes

 * Friendship has splendors that love knows not. It grows stronger when crossed, whereas obstacles kill love. Friendship resists time, which wearies and severs couples. It has heights unknown to love.
 * Speaking about friendship


 * The flavour of life is love. The salt of life is also love.
 * Speaking on love has the flavour of life


 * The word 'happiness' does indeed have meaning, doesn't it? I shall go out in search of it.
 * Speaking on happiness


 * A nervous breakdown waits around the corner for anyone who lets himself wallow in bitterness. Little by little, it takes over your whole being.
 * Speaking on bitterness


 * I am stripping myself of your love, of your name. Clothed in my dignity, the only worthy garment, I go my way.
 * 


 * Books saved you. Having become your refuge, they sustained you. The power of books, this marvelous invention of astute human intelligence. Various signs associated with sound: different sounds that form the word. Juxtaposition of words from which springs the idea, Thought, History, Science, Life. Sole instrument of interrelationships and of culture, unparalleled means of giving and receiving. Books knit generations together in the same continuing effort that leads to progress. They enabled you to better yourself. What society refused you, they granted
 * Speaking on power of books


 * Each life has its share of heroism, an obscure heroism, born of abdication, of renunciation and acceptance under the merciless whip of fate.
 * Speaking on life


 * Clothed in my dignity, the only worthy garment, I go my way.
 * 


 * The most humble of huts is pleasing when it is clean; the most luxurious setting offers no attraction if it is covered in dust.
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