Mental health: Arame Ndiaye launches a literary cry with the publication of A lucid madwoman
The world of Senegalese literature has a new work: A lucid madwoman. Signed by Arame Ndiaye, this book shakes up the codes on a subject that is still taboo in our society: mental health.
A lucid madwoman. This sweet oxymoron hits, challenges, dazzles. This is the title of the first individual work by Arame Ndiaye, journalist for Le Soleil. An assumed name, almost proclaimed by his pen. Far from being a simple play on words, it is the result of deep reflection on a subject that is still taboo, almost whispered in our society: mental health. “I wanted a novel that would shine a spotlight on these people who we don’t necessarily pay attention to. Mental health is worth talking about because it affects everyone. You will also find subjects related to bipolarity, schizophrenia, depression, postpartum, etc.,” she confides.
The writer therefore wants to break the barbed wire around this theme, so that it is elevated to the rank of priority in the public space, and not a secret that we keep under seal.
Satisfaction
Arame Ndiaye, who has already contributed to the collection Plurielles, co-written with several women, decided to strike out on his own. This first novel, which saw the light of day several years ago, will see the light of day in 2026. “The novel was born in 2018 following a bitter observation. One day, while going to town by bus, I came across a mentally ill man at a traffic light. He stood there, haggard, his hair disheveled, as if he seemed indifferent to his own existence. And that’s how this idea was born that was lying dormant for so long. For the other characters, I was fundamentally inspired by my loved ones, which I combined with research and my visits to Fann Hospital. Between Dakar and Thiès (through the Dalal Xel Center), I want to remind you that these mentally ill people are humans who deserve to be taken care of. »
Arame Ndiaye therefore decided to dip the pen in the wound on this social fact in order to shine the light on him. A commitment, a priesthood. And the satisfaction of having her own novel, which she wrote alone, also represents a great joy for this young writer. “As I said in my post on the networks, this book has been lying in drawers for a long time. Today, my book A lucid madwoman was published. I still have trouble realizing that this project, which I thought I would see born years ago, is finally here. I worked on this book, reworked it, then sometimes left it to sleep for a long time in drawers. There were times when I thought the time was right, and others when everything stopped. I went through a lot of emotions, but I didn’t give up. Over time, I understood that Allah’s calendar is not that of men. This book was due to come out at its time, and by His grace, that day has come. This is my first publication. I am proud of it, for the journey I have taken and for having held on until the end,” exclaims Arame Ndiaye.
However, the author does not forget those who supported her. “I would also like to thank Le Fil d’Ariane Éditions, who believed in this project and made it possible. Thanks also to my preface Samba Oumar Fall. Today I need your strength. By sharing, by buying the book, by talking about it to those around you, you support this work and this important step for me. Thank you to everyone who supported this dream, directly or indirectly. The adventure begins now. »
A lucid madwoman is now on the shelves. For lovers of books, beautiful pens and commitment, this will be a treat. For those who want to know more about mental health, this will be a discovery and a window into a world that is too invisible. And for those who simply want to dive into an ocean of beautiful lines, a true human adventure.
Oumar Boubacar NDONGO
