The Old Drift
About the book
Three families' histories intertwine with more than a century of Zambian history.
Africa · A READING GUIDE
Zambia
Namwali Serpell’s The Old Drift connects generations of families with Zambia’s history and a speculative future. The Furrows turns to loss, memory and uncertain identity. Ellen Banda-Aaku depicts childhood in a Lusaka family divided by class and alcoholism. Mukuka Chipanta adds political crime fiction and the ethical costs of mining investment.
WHERE TO START
- The Old DriftNamwali Serpell
- PatchworkEllen Banda-Aaku
- A Casualty of PowerMukuka Chipanta
Books to begin with
An editorial selection · not rankedNo matches. Try another language or search term.
The Furrows
About the book
Her younger brother’s disappearance leads Cassandra to recognise his face in strangers for years.
Patchwork
About the book
Nine-year-old Pumpkin grows up in Lusaka in a family divided by alcoholism and social inequalities.
A Casualty of Power
About the book
A journalism student becomes entangled in political and economic conflicts around Chinese investment in Zambia.
Five Nights Before the Summit
About the book
Detective Maxwell must solve a robbery before an important visit to independent Zambia.
A Cowrie of Hope
About the book
The widow Nasula struggles to fund her daughter’s education and independence.
Quills of Desire
About the book
The ambitious Wiza faces a choice between urban poverty and returning to village life.
Context and sources
Sources on authors and their connections to this country. Specific edition details appear beside each book. Polish and English originals are not labelled as translations.
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