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Literary Fiction· Tanzania

By the Sea

by Abdulrazak Gurnah
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2001English
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that By the Sea (2001) by Abdulrazak Gurnah continues to receive. 'By the Sea' is a haunting tale of exile and memory, following the life of Saleh Omar, an elderly asylum seeker from Zanzibar. As he arrives in England, his past is slowly revealed through encounters with another Zanzibari expatriate. Gurnah's novel is a meditation on displacement, the search for identity, and the enduring scars of political upheaval. Themes of exile, memory, identity run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorAbdulrazak Gurnah
Published2001
Country of Origin🇹🇿 Tanzania
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781596914437
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇹🇿 Tanzania

This book is part of Tanzania's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

In "By the Sea," Abdulrazak Gurnah masterfully explores themes of displacement and identity through the poignant narratives of refugees in post-colonial Zanzibar. His lyrical prose captures the bittersweet complexities of belonging and the haunting echoes of memory, as the characters navigate their fragmented lives amidst political turmoil. Gurnah’s evocative storytelling not only illuminates the personal scars of exile but also critiques the broader implications of colonial history, making this novel a profound meditation on the human condition.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from multiple independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
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About the Author
Abdulrazak Gurnah
Tanzania
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Abdulrazak Gurnah is a Tanzania author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is By the Sea about?

'By the Sea' is a haunting tale of exile and memory, following the life of Saleh Omar, an elderly asylum seeker from Zanzibar. As he arrives in England, his past is slowly revealed through encounters with another Zanzibari expatriate. Gurnah's novel is a meditation on displacement, the search for identity, and the enduring scars of political upheaval.

Who wrote By the Sea?

By the Sea was written by Abdulrazak Gurnah, from Tanzania. First published in 2001.

What awards has By the Sea won?

By the Sea has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is By the Sea worth reading?

By the Sea is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in exile, memory, identity.

Where can I buy By the Sea?

You can buy By the Sea on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is By the Sea?

By the Sea is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is By the Sea from?

By the Sea originates from Tanzania's literary tradition. Explore more books from Tanzania on our country page.

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