Description

In this poignant novel, an elderly asylum seeker named Saleh Omar arrives in England carrying a past steeped in the turbulent history of Zanzibar. He finds an unlikely connection with a younger man, a shopkeeper who also hails from the island, and together they navigate the complexities of memory, displacement, and identity. As their lives intertwine, the narrative unfolds a rich tapestry of love, loss, and the enduring impact of colonialism and political upheaval. Gurnah masterfully explores themes of exile and belonging, weaving a compelling story that resonates with the profound human need for connection and understanding.

Available Editions

paperback edition cover

paperback

Bloomsbury

Published Jan 1, 2001

245 pages

ISBN: 9780747552802

available

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Details

First Published

2001

Language

eng

Content Warnings

Content and trigger warnings for By the Sea by Abdulrazak Gurnah.

War/Trauma
Death/Grief