Dottie: By the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2021

'Gurnah writes with wonderful insight about family relationships and he folds in the layers of history with elegance and warmth. Dottie Badoura Fatma Balfour finds solace amidst the squalor of her childhood by spinning warm tales of affection about her beautiful names. However, she knows nothing of their origins, and little of her family history, or the abuse her ancestors suffered as they made their home in Britain. At seventeen, she takes on the burden of responsibility for her brother and sister and is obsessed with keeping the family together. However, as Sophie, lumpen yet voluptuous, drifts away, and the confused Hudson is absorbed into the world of crime, Dottie is forced to consider her own needs. Building on her fragmented, tantalizing memories, she begins to clear a path through life, gradually gathering the confidence to take risks, forge friendships, and challenge the labels that have been forced upon her.'

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A captivating novel that delves into the depths of a young woman's journey of self-discovery, "Gurnah" weaves a searing tale of her troubled family history and cultural past. Written with remarkable insight into family relationships, the author skillfully incorporates layers of history, infusing them with elegance and warmth. The Times praises the author's ability to capture the complexities of familial bonds.

Dottie Badoura Fatma Balfour, a young woman living in the squalor of her childhood, finds solace in spinning warm tales of affection about her beautiful names. However, she is unaware of their origins and possesses limited knowledge of her family history, including the abuse her ancestors endured as they settled in Britain. At the age of seventeen, Dottie assumes the responsibility of caring for her brother and sister, becoming deeply devoted to preserving the family unit. However, as her younger siblings, Sophie and Hudson, drift away, Dottie faces the challenging task of addressing her own needs. Drawing upon her fragmented and tantalizing memories, she begins to navigate her way through life, gradually gaining the confidence to take risks, form friendships, and challenge the labels that have been imposed upon her.

Through her journey of self-discovery, Dottie uncovers the intricate tapestry of her family's past, shedding light on the sacrifices and struggles they endured. She delves into the complexities of cultural identity, exploring the tensions between her ancestral roots and the modern world she inhabits. "Gurnah" is a profound exploration of the human experience, offering a poignant portrayal of the complexities of family, culture, and personal growth.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 134 x 197 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526653468