Do you hear the notes plucked as the griot tunes his hoddu? When a Peul griot from S n gal plays his hoddu he sings family histories, praise songs, traditional tales and epics. Within these songs there are questions of identity, and of how people conduct themselves when facing adversity. It is fitting to link that tradition to this collection, which includes: stories of the tirailleurs s n galais (West African conscripts who fought for France); stories of families struggling to find their way; and above all stories of people seeking an answer to the question that most troubles us all: how am I to live? The griot is ready, the hoddu is tuned. Have a seat, be comfortable: the stories are about to begin...