Love. Passion. Culture. Tradition. These are the recurring themes that are present in Scarlet Song, a novel written by writer Mariama Ba.

Although interracial relationships in Africa are not a new occurrence,they are still very much talked about and discussed ,with different attitudes and points of view.

Scarlet Song is about a west african boy called Ousmane who falls in love with a white french diplomats daughter, Mireille, while the two are in college in Senegal  .They begin a whirlwind and passionate romance that is sadly not without it’s problems.

Ousmane finds it hard to tell his traditional and conservative family and so does Mireille. Their relationship is exposed and Mireiile is sent away to her country where her and Ousmane continue a long-distance relationship. A few years later, the lovers are reunited and Mireille is disowned by her parents and brought back to Senegal. Ousmane’s mother causes problems for the couple as do his friends. Matters are complicated further when Ousamne is tempted by an old flame who manages to seduce him enough to have his baby, while his wife also has a child.Ultimately, Ousmane must decide between his wife and mistress and this leads to a surprising ending.

Long after it is read, Scarlet Song’s themes will still be resonant in one’s mind. It offers a glimpse into the life of an interracial couple, and the impact and influence that society has on this phenomenon. Head down to your local bookstore and read it for yourself.