Pap Khouma’s autobiographical novel I Was an Elephant Salesman is one of the first
examples of literature by migrants in Italy. He tells the story of his days as a street vendor
in Milan, a busy city where he faced racism and problems with the authorities. Khouma’s
story is full of sharp humour and self-awareness, which help him to survive and critique the
world around him. The book is more than a personal story; it is a social document that
shows how African migrants were treated badly and how they coped in Italy during the
1980s and 90s. In this work, Khouma not only expresses his own identity but also
challenges common ideas about migrants. He does this by offering a clear and inclusive
view that matches Milagro’s focus on empowering people and intercultural experiences.
Source: https://muse.jhu.edu/book/12861
