Afterlives
Afterlives
EGP450.00
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
Afterlives
Afterlives Book Description
Afterlives, written by the 2021 Nobel Laureate in Literature, invites readers into a haunting tale of loss, love, and survival in colonial East Africa. When young Ilyas is kidnapped by German troops, he spends years fighting against his own people before returning home to find his family shattered. Meanwhile, Hamza is sold into the same conflict, grows up under a colonial officer’s protection, and dreams of work, safety, and the beautiful Afiya. Their lives intersect as they struggle to rebuild, love, and protect what remains.
The story follows Ilyas and Hamza as they navigate a landscape scarred by war and oppression. Together they confront the lingering shadows of a new conflict that threatens to uproot them again. Their bond, forged in hardship, reveals the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to endure even the darkest times.
Critics praise Afterlives for its lyrical prose and compassionate insight. Maaza Mengiste of The Guardian calls it “riveting and heartbreaking,” while Philippe Sands of the New Statesman hails it as “a brilliant and important book for our times.” The Times adds that reading Afterlives feels like experiencing an enchanting love affair that refuses to be forgotten.
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, highlighting its literary merit and relevance. Anders Olsson, chair of the Nobel Committee, notes the author’s “great compassion” in portraying the effects of colonialism on individuals.
Readers will appreciate the vivid setting, authentic dialogue, and deep emotional resonance. The book presents 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.
In addition to its powerful story, Afterlives blends historical detail with personal drama. This balance makes it accessible to a broad audience while satisfying readers who seek depth and authenticity in historical fiction.
Why Read This Book?
Fans of literary fiction will find Afterlives an unforgettable experience. The novel invites readers to discover the hidden lives of those erased from history, offering a fresh perspective on a tumultuous era. Furthermore, its themes of love, loss, and redemption resonate across cultures and generations.
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 ensures that each chapter feels urgent and reflective, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Additionally, Afterlives has been recognized by leading publications and literary awards, confirming its quality and impact. Whether you seek a compelling love story, a thoughtful exploration of colonial history, or simply a beautifully written novel, Afterlives delivers on all fronts.
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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