The Old Drift
The Old Drift
Book Brief
Beta576
Novel • Fiction
Zambia • 20th century, 21st century
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell weaves together the lives of three families over several generations in Zambia. The narrative explores themes of history, identity, and technology, blending magical realism with historical events. This ambitious novel begins with a colonial-era incident and expands to capture the transformations of a nation and its people.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Fantastical
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
8,651 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Namwali Serpell’s The Old Drift has been praised for its ambitious scope and inventive storytelling, blending historical fiction with magical realism. Critics commend its rich character development and exploration of Zambian history. However, some find its sprawling narrative challenging to follow and uneven pacing detracts from the experience. Overall, it's a bold literary endeavor.
Who Should Read The Old Drift?
A reader who would enjoy The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell likely appreciates multigenerational sagas that blend historical fiction with magical realism and sci-fi. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude or Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing would find this novel's narrative scope and inventive storytelling appealing.
8,651 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell won the 2020 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award for fiction, which recognizes works that contribute to our understanding of racism and appreciation of the rich diversity of human cultures.
Namwali Serpell is the first Zambian author to win the prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing, an accomplishment that brought significant attention to her debut novel, The Old Drift.
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The novel spans multiple genres, including historical fiction, science fiction, and magical realism, showcasing Serpell's versatility and unique narrative style.
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576
Novel • Fiction
Zambia • 20th century, 21st century
2019
Adult
18+ years
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