Line in the River: Khartoum, City of Memory

A Line in the River is a captivating and revelatory memoir that combines lyrical and evocative memoir with a nuanced exploration of a country's complex history, politics, and religion.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 416 pages
\n Publication date: 07 March 2019
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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A profound and intricate exploration of the concept of place, identity, and memory, A Line in the River is a literary masterpiece that has garnered widespread acclaim. Written by Jamal Mahjoub, a Sudanese-born author who spent nearly two decades living in exile, the book offers a captivating and insightful journey through the capital city of Khartoum.

Through his vivid and evocative prose, Mahjoub paints a moving portrait of Sudan, a country that has undergone a tumultuous and tragic history. From its independence from Britain in 1956 to the outbreak of civil war and the subsequent descent into conflict, Sudan has witnessed the unraveling of its promising future.

In 1989, Mahjoub's family was among those who fled the country as a result of the coup that brought a hard-line Islamist regime to power. Almost twenty years later, he returned to Khartoum, eager to rediscover the city that had played a significant role in shaping his formative years.

As he explores the city's present, Mahjoub encounters a diverse range of people and places, from the wealthy elite who reside in the opulent neighborhoods to the neglected poor who live in the slums. Through his thoughtful and nuanced analysis, he reveals the complex and contradictory nature of Sudan, a country that is torn between its rich cultural heritage and the oppressive forces of political and religious extremism.

A Line in the River is not merely a travelogue or a memoir; it is a thoughtful meditation on the meaning of identity, both personal and national. Mahjoub delves into the complexities of his own identity as a Sudanese man living in exile, as well as the identity of his country, which has been shaped by a history of colonization, conflict, and political instability.

The book combines lyrical and evocative memoir with a nuanced exploration of Sudan's complex history, politics, and religion. Mahjoub weaves together personal anecdotes and historical events to create a rich and layered narrative that is both captivating and revelatory.

One of the most striking aspects of A Line in the River is its ability to capture the essence of Khartoum, a city that is often overlooked and misunderstood. Through his vivid descriptions of the city's architecture, landscapes, and cultural traditions, Mahjoub provides a glimpse into the soul of Sudan, a country that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

In conclusion, A Line in the River is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the complexities of Sudan and the broader African continent. Written with passion, insight, and eloquence, the book offers a profound and nuanced exploration of place, identity, and memory. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of literature to shed light on the hidden corners of the world.

\n Weight: 336g\n
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781408885451\n \n