The Senegalese literary scene has been enriched by a poignant new work. Officially presented on February 14, 2026, in Dakar, Aïda Cissé's latest novel, "Les gifles du destin" (The Slaps of Destiny), has just been published by Kala éditions. Available in paperback at the "4 Vents" bookstore in Mermoz, this 128-page story immerses the reader in a nuanced analysis of women's lives within a rapidly changing society.

The novel follows the journey of Maï, a solitary and wild young woman who initially seems lost in her own world. It is through a romantic encounter that the character begins a true metamorphosis. This relationship becomes the catalyst for a reconciliation with herself, transforming each hardship into a journey of learning, self-discovery, and growth. Through the portrait of Maï, Aïda Cissé highlights the multiple and complex challenges that women face today.

Characters who defy social norms

The work is not limited to a single trajectory. Another character, Sophie, enters the picture, challenging conventions with remarkable audacity. By defying established norms, she rejects the stigmas and flaws of Senegalese and African society. This gripping story explores universal themes such as freedom, friendship, family, and self-affirmation with discernment.

Intrigued by collective dynamics, Aïda Cissé uses her pen to scrutinize the transformations of mentalities. Her writing, which literary critic Lamine Samb describes as "bold" and "simple," offers a space for analysis as much as for pure creation.

A graduate of Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD) with a Master's degree in Cultural Administration, Aïda Cissé is a multifaceted artist. Already recognized for her poetry collection, *Le tumulte des sentiments* (The Tumult of Feelings), which earned her the MAPI Poetry Prize in 2010, she confirms her talent as a storyteller here. Whether crafting handmade pieces or creating original sketches, the author situates her work within a process of transmission and constructive contribution to the world around her. With *Les gifles du destin* (The Slaps of Destiny), she offers the public a profound reflection on the human realities of her time.