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In an unnamed African country devoured by rampant urbanization and haunted by the mirages of Western prosperity, where for a few CFA francs a child can be bought and sold for slavery, Toumani's earliest education is in the tolerance of suffering. He endures one master then the next, holding his survival-his very self-with open hands.
For Iman, a black and white biracial boy with an elusive presence, the only viable option appears to be an escape to bountiful Europe, where everything must be easier. Obsessed with this idyllic elsewhere to the point of losing himself completely, he remains, for those close to him, an object of fascination difficult to define.
When Iman reaches out his hand to rescue Toumani from certain death, he sets in motion a friendship that may satisfy their need for connection but cannot fundamentally change their circumstances. What is the point of their survival without hope for a more livable future? And what happens to them when they both love the same girl?
In this stunning translation of Ryad Assani-Razaki's award-winning debut novel, dreaming is luxury that few can afford. And yet, however inadvisedly, Iman dreams.
In this award-winning debut novel, dreaming is luxury that few can afford. And yet, however inadvisedly, Iman dreams.
• The French version was shortlisted for the GG fiction prize in 2011 and won the Robert-Cliche first novel prize.
• This title joins our diverse and growing list of books by writers of African descent including Who Will Bury You?, Scientific Marvel, Everything is Fine Here, and Innie Shadows.
• A decade after publication in French the author has now translated the work into English himself.
• For those who loved the classic novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.
For Iman, a black and white biracial boy with an elusive presence, the only viable option appears to be an escape to bountiful Europe, where everything must be easier. Obsessed with this idyllic elsewhere to the point of losing himself completely, he remains, for those close to him, an object of fascination difficult to define.
When Iman reaches out his hand to rescue Toumani from certain death, he sets in motion a friendship that may satisfy their need for connection but cannot fundamentally change their circumstances. What is the point of their survival without hope for a more livable future? And what happens to them when they both love the same girl?
In this stunning translation of Ryad Assani-Razaki's award-winning debut novel, dreaming is luxury that few can afford. And yet, however inadvisedly, Iman dreams.
In this award-winning debut novel, dreaming is luxury that few can afford. And yet, however inadvisedly, Iman dreams.
• The French version was shortlisted for the GG fiction prize in 2011 and won the Robert-Cliche first novel prize.
• This title joins our diverse and growing list of books by writers of African descent including Who Will Bury You?, Scientific Marvel, Everything is Fine Here, and Innie Shadows.
• A decade after publication in French the author has now translated the work into English himself.
• For those who loved the classic novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.