Who Will Catch Us As We Fall - Softcover

Verjee, Iman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1780749368 ISBN 13: 9781780749365

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 2016

Synopsis

"Rich in profound observations of character, psychology, and human nature.... A unique, powerful voice in African literature."
Kirkus Reviews

"A vibrant picture of a country in turmoil. An unforgettable and ultimately hopeful tale."
Booklist, Starred Review

Recalling Chris Abani's Graceland, this book will appeal to lovers of contemporary world fiction looking for a read rich that's both character- and issue-driven."
Library Journal

Haunted by a past that has kept her from Nairobi for over three years, Leena returns home to discover her family unchanged: her father is still a staunch patriot dreaming of a better country; her mother is still unwilling or unable to let go of the past; and her brother spends his days provoking the establishment as a political activist. When Leena meets a local Kikuyu artist whose past is linked to her own, the two begin a secret affair one that forces Leena to again question her place in a country she once called home.

Interlinked with Leena’s story is that of Jeffery: a corrupt policeman burdened with his own angers and regrets, and whose questionable actions have unexpected and catastrophic consequences for those closest to him. Who Will Catch Us As We Fall is an epic look at the politics and people of Kenya.

About this title

About the Author

Iman Verjee won the 2012 PFD City University Writing Prize for Fiction for her debut novel In Between Dreams (Oneworld, 2014), which she wrote while completing an MA in Creative Writing at City University. Prior to studying in London she studied psychology at the University of Alberta in Canada. She now lives in Calgary, Canada, having emigrated from Nairobi, Kenya, in 2014.

Review

"Verjee’s follow-up to her debut, In Between Dreams (2014), revolves around a group of interconnected characters in Kenya from the end of the twentieth century through the beginning of the twenty-first. Leena Kohli and her older brother, Jai, have grown up in Kenya, their wealth and foreignness separating them from their African neighbors. Jai’s father encourages him to befriend the family’s housekeeper’s son, Michael, and the two boys become close. At first, Leena is jealous of their friendship, but when Michael goes out of his way to help her, the two form their own bond, only to be torn apart when Leena’s mother catches them in a tender moment and demands that Michael’s mother be let go. As the three grow up, Jai and Michael become embroiled in a movement that opposes the Kenyan government, while Leena seeks solace at school abroad after a brutal attack. Verjee limns the experiences of Michael, Jai, and Leena along with a host of other characters, including a corrupt policeman, a grieving widow, and a cunning revolutionary, to paint a vibrant picture of a country in turmoil. An unforgettable and ultimately hopeful tale. Kristine Huntley
This title has been recommended for young adult readers: Teens will be utterly absorbed by the lives of the three youthful lead characters while also getting a sense of what life is like growing up in contemporary Kenya. Kristine Huntley
Booklist, Starred Review
"The novel is rich in profound observations of character, psychology, and human nature. Moving seamlessly between present, past, and further past, Verjee creates stories within stories, rounding out her characters by presenting each as the fully-realized hero of his or her own story. A unique, powerful voice in African literature."
Kirkus Reviews

"Iman Verjee whose debut novelIn Between Dreams was met with much acclaim has written a rich book about life in Nairobi, where she emigrated from in 2014. Her novel is a deep read that spans a period of 12 years in it the main character, Leena, returns to Nairobi after a three-year absence . . . the narrative explores politics, corruption and tradition in contemporary Nairobi through a sweeping family epic.”
The Toronto Star

"An epic story of politics, love, and how self-examination can heal wounds cutting deeply in a flailing contemporary community... Whether primary or secondary, Verjee's characters are captivating; their personalities come through amid amazing descriptions of a system that profoundly and catastrophically affects both nation and family. VERDICT Recalling Chris Abani's Graceland, this book will appeal to lovers of contemporary world fiction looking for a read rich that's both character- and issue-driven."
Library Journal

About this edition

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1780749368
• ISBN 13: 9781780749365
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 448