Drift: A story of love, magic and the irresistible lure of the sea

In the novel "Drift," Caryl Lewis explores the themes of love, magic, and the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of war-torn Syria and the wild Welsh coast. Winner of the Wales Book of the Year 2023 and the Welsh Book of the Year 2022, the book is a tender, unusual, and gorgeously wrought love story that follows the journey of two lost souls, Nefyn and Hamza, who are brought together by a violent storm.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Winner of the Wales Book of the Year 2023
Waterstones Welsh Book of the Year 2022




"Drift" is a mesmerizing novel that weaves together the captivating stories of Nefyn, a mysterious woman living in a small cottage above a blustery cove, and Hamza, a Syrian mapmaker imprisoned in a military base a few miles up the coast. Set against the backdrop of the wild Welsh coast and the war-torn landscapes of Syria, this love story unfolds like a delicate dance between two lost souls.


In the midst of a violent storm, Nefyn and Hamza are brought together by fate, their paths crossing in a moment of unexpected connection. But as their lives intertwine, they face a relentless struggle against the forces that seek to tear them apart. Nefyn's past is shrouded in mystery, and she carries with her the weight of a hidden trauma that has shaped her into the enigmatic woman she is today. Hamza, on the other hand, is a man of profound intellect and artistic talent, trapped in a world of conflict and violence. His maps, which hold the key to understanding the complexities of the Syrian landscape, are his lifeline to a world beyond the confines of his military base.


As the storm rages on, Nefyn and Hamza find solace in each other's company, forming a bond that transcends the boundaries of their different worlds. They navigate the treacherous waters of love, loss, and identity, each grappling with their own demons and longing for a sense of home. Through their journey, "Drift" explores the themes of resilience, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit. It is a tender, unusual, and gorgeously wrought love story that will leave readers spellbound.


Caryl Lewis, the three-time winner of the Wales Book of the Year, has crafted a masterpiece with "Drift." Her writing is poetic and evocative, transporting readers to the rugged Welsh coast and the war-ravaged landscapes of Syria. Lewis' portrayal of Nefyn and Hamza is nuanced and layered, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and celebrate their triumphs.


The novel's exploration of the complexities of love and loss is particularly powerful, as Lewis delves into the emotional toll of war and the search for a sense of belonging. Nefyn and Hamza's journey is filled with heartache and hardship, but it is also punctuated with moments of hope and beauty. Their love story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it reminds us of the power of connection and the ability to find meaning in the most unexpected places.


In conclusion, "Drift" is a truly magical and transformative novel that deserves to be celebrated. Caryl Lewis' writing is exquisite, and her portrayal of Nefyn and Hamza is unforgettable. This is a love story with a difference, a hypnotic tale of lost identity, the quest for home, and the wondrous resilience of the human spirit. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves to be transported to new worlds, to explore the depths of the human heart, and to be reminded of the power of love and the human spirit.

Weight: 168g
Dimension: 127 x 197 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804990889