The Negro Grandsons of Vercingetorix

In a fictional African Republic, conflict erupts as rival factions vie for power, showcasing the absurdities of civil war in The Negro Grandsons of Vercingetorix.

Set in the fictional African Republic of Vietongo, The Negro Grandsons of Vercingetorix opens with a fierce conflict erupting between rival leaders and the ethnic groups they represent. The story unfolds through a series of notebooks kept by the observant Hortense Lloki, who chronicles the chaos and absurdity that accompanies civil war. As the narrative progresses, readers witness the extreme actions taken by the private militias—the Anacondas and the Romans from the North—who vie for power against Vercingetorix and his Little Negro Grandsons in the South, all echoing the struggles of history.

Alain Mabanckou, an award-winning author, showcases his satirical prowess in this compelling novel. The tale explores not only the physical devastation wrought by war but also the emotional and psychological toll it takes on the people caught in the crossfire. The characters are vividly drawn, each representing different facets of society and the complexities of identity amidst conflict. Mabanckou's sharp wit brings a unique perspective to the narrative, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Translated into English for the first time, The Negro Grandsons of Vercingetorix offers readers a gritty, unfiltered view of life in a war-torn region. This novel serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit even in the darkest of times, while also highlighting the absurdities that can arise during such tumultuous periods.