Description
Book SynopsisGrowing up in the Nairobi of the 90s, a seething boiling pot of racial tension and conflicting cultural taboos, Leena and Jai are raised to believe in a Kenya full of possibility and potential. But as they come of age and venture into a world of underground activists beyond the confines of their tight-knit East Asian community and closely guarded, gated compound, they start to see a country divided by deep ethnic allegiances and on the brink of something very sinister. Soon Leena and Jai find themselves entangled in a shady world of crooked policemen, seedy salesmen, prostitutes, and bohemian artists. As the city tightens its grip, so begins a dangerous game of corruption and conspiracy, where rebellions simmer, and a tangled web of power unravels as dark forces collide and disturbing revelations surface.
A powerful tale of love and politics in contemporary Nairobi, Who Will Catch Us As We Fall depicts a Kenya on the cusp of change in all its complexity. Through two of the most memorable and remarkable characters in contemporary African fiction, Iman Verjee has penned a moving portrait of a family torn apart by national politics and prejudice, yet still painfully tethered together.
Trade Review‘A unique, powerful voice in African literature.’
* Kirkus *
'Assured…striking…the story’s message of hope, resilience and redemption is as important as it is timely’.
* Economist *
‘A vibrant picture of a country in turmoil. An unforgettable and ultimately hopeful tale.’
* Booklist *
‘An unusually gifted young writer.’
* Margaux Fragoso, author of Tiger, Tiger *
‘An epic story of politics, love and how self-examination can heal wounds cutting deeply in a flailing contemporary community…Verjee's characters are captivating; their personalities come through amid amazing descriptions of a system that profoundly and catastrophically affects both nation and family.’
* Library Journal *
‘A rich book about life in Nairobi…the narrative explores politics, corruption and tradition in contemporary Nairobi through a sweeping family epic.’
* Toronto Star *
