A Question of Power by Bessie Head offers a powerful exploration of mental illness, identity, and colonialism. Reviewers praise its intense and lyrical prose, commending Head's ability to navigate complex themes deeply and authentically. Some readers, however, find the narrative challenging due to its fragmented structure and abstract style. Overall, it's a compelling yet demanding read.

A reader passionate about exploring complex themes of identity, mental health, and post-colonial Africa will be captivated by Bessie Head's A Question of Power. Fans of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions will particularly enjoy this intricate and deeply personal narrative.

In A Question of Power by Bessie Head, Elizabeth, a woman who has left apartheid South Africa, battles her mental health and navigates the nature of good and evil through surreal and nightmarish experiences in Botswana. Elizabeth’s fragmented journey alternates between delusion and reality as she copes with her past trauma and current challenges, learning about power and evil through supernatural encounters. The book features anti-Black racism, anti-gay representations, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicide ideation, and psychological trauma.

Melancholic / Mysterious / Dark / Challenging / Emotional

Bessie Head

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Novel

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A Question of Power Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Sello”

Part 1, Pages 11-59

A Question of Power Part 1, Pages 11-59 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 59-100

A Question of Power Part 1, Pages 59-100 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Dan”

Part 2, Pages 103-150

A Question of Power Part 2, Pages 103-150 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Pages 150-206

A Question of Power Part 2, Pages 150-206 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

A Question of Power Character Analysis

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Themes

A Question of Power Themes

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A Question of Power Symbols & Motifs

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A Question of Power

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