In 1861, the Muslim army of El-Hadj Omar captures the city of Segu. The inhabitants must now worship the "one true God," and the animistic traditions are suppressed. At the same time, the colonial power of France is advancing further into the interior of Africa with a mercenary army, and the process of Christianization begins. Like their fathers before them, the Traorés become victims of the turmoil and power struggles of their time, as they and their wives find themselves caught in various religious and political factions. With the old order, the family also falls apart. In her historical novel set in ancient Africa, Maryse Condé tells the story of Segu, the once-powerful city of the Bambara on the Niger, and the fate of the Traoré family. Once again, she evokes that magnificent, mysterious world that has perished in Africa.