what is Bamako

Bamako is the capital of Mali, on the opposite side of what was known as French West Africa to Dakar. In the novel, it is the home community of Bakayoko. Bamako's geographical distance from both Dakar and Thies metaphorically reinforces the idea that the novel is as much about the struggle of a whole community of people who may be separated by space and time but are united by the transcendent call of spirit and dignity.