Afterlives

Name: Afterlives
ISBN: 9781526615893

EGP540.00

Book Summary

BY THE WINNER OF THE NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE 2021SHORTLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL FICTION 2021LONGLISTED FOR THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE 2021’Riveting and heartbreaking … A compelling novel, one that gathers close all those who were meant to be forgotten, and refuses their erasure’ Maaza Mengiste, Guardian’A brilliant and important book for our times, by a wondrous writer’ Philippe Sands, New Statesman, Books of the YearWhile he was still a little boy, Ilyas was stolen from his parents by the German colonial troops. After years away, fighting in a war against his own people, he returns to his village to find his parents gone, and his sister Afiya given away. Another young man returns at the same time. Hamza was not stolen for the war, but sold into it; he has grown up at the right hand of an officer whose protection has marked him life. With nothing but the clothes on his back, he seeks only work and security – and the love of the beautiful Afiya. As fate knots these young people together, as they live and work and fall in love, the shadow of a new war on another continent lengthens and darkens, ready to snatch them up and carry them away… ‘One of the world’s most prominent postcolonial writers … He has consistently and with great compassion penetrated the effects of colonialism in East Africa and its effects on the lives of uprooted and migrating individuals’ Anders Olsson, chairman of the Nobel Committee ‘In book after book, he guides us through seismic historic moments and devastating societal ruptures while gently outlining what it is that keeps those families, friendships and loving spaces intact, if not fully whole’ Maaza Mengiste’Rarely in a lifetime can you open a book and find that reading it encapsulates the enchanting qualities of a love affair … One scarcely dares breathe while reading it for fear of breaking the enchantment’ The Times

Language: English
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 9781526615893
ISBN-13: 9781526615893
Genre: Popular Fiction
Size: 12.8 cm x 19.6 cm
Shipping Weight: 49 grams
Condition: New

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SKU: 9781526615893 Categories: Books, English Books, Literature & Fiction Author: Abdulrazak Gurnah

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Afterlives

Afterlives Book Description

Afterlives, written by the 2021 Nobel Laureate in Literature, transports readers to colonial East Africa, where loss, love, and survival intertwine. Young Ilyas is kidnapped by German troops, forced to fight his own people, and later returns to a broken family. Meanwhile, Hamza is sold into the same war, grows under a colonial officer’s watch, and dreams of work, safety, and the beautiful Afiya. Their paths cross as they try to rebuild, love, and protect what remains.

The story follows Ilyas and Hamza as they move through a landscape scarred by conflict. Together they confront new shadows that threaten to uproot them again. Their bond, forged in hardship, shows the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to endure even in darkness. Critics praise Afterlives for its lyrical prose and compassionate insight.

Key Features of Afterlives

Afterlives offers a richly layered narrative that explores colonial history, migration, and identity. The novel was shortlisted for the 2021 Orwell Prize for Political Fiction and long‑listed for the Walter Scott Prize, confirming its literary merit. Anders Olsson, chair of the Nobel Committee, highlighted the author’s “great compassion” in portraying the effects of colonialism on individuals.

Readers will enjoy the vivid setting, authentic dialogue, and deep emotional resonance. The book gives a nuanced view of both colonizer and colonized, avoiding simple stereotypes. Moreover, it examines how families and friendships survive displacement, providing a hopeful counterpoint to harsh realities. Additionally, Afterlives blends historical detail with personal drama, making the story accessible while satisfying those who seek depth.

Why Read This Book?

Fans of literary fiction will find Afterlives an unforgettable experience. The novel invites readers to discover hidden lives erased from history, offering a fresh perspective on a tumultuous era. Furthermore, its themes of love, loss, and redemption resonate across cultures and generations, allowing each reader to connect personally with the characters.

Because the narrative is both intimate and expansive, readers can explore the personal journeys of Ilyas and Hamza while gaining insight into larger social forces. The author’s masterful storytelling keeps each chapter urgent and reflective, maintaining engagement from start to finish. Also, Afterlives has been recognized by leading publications and literary awards, confirming its quality and impact.

About This Book

Language: English
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN‑10: 9781526615893
ISBN‑13: 9781526615893
Genre: Popular Fiction
Size: 12.8 cm × 19.6 cm
Shipping Weight: 49 g
Condition: New

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