Gravel Heart

Last updated
Gravel Heart
Gravel Heart.jpg
First edition
Author Abdulrazak Gurnah
Publisher Bloomsbury
Publication date
1 August 2017
Pages272
ISBN 978-1-63286-813-8
Preceded by The Last Gift  
Followed by Afterlives  

Gravel Heart is a 2017 novel by Abdulrazak Gurnah. It is Gurnah's ninth novel and was first published by Bloomsbury Publishing on 1 August 2017. [1] [2] The story is set in the late 20th century and follows Salim, who moves from Zanzibar to the United Kingdom, as he reflects on his parents' separation. [3] The title originates from a phrase used in Shakespeare's play Measure for Measure . [4]

The book received positive reviews from critics. Suzi Feay, writing for the Financial Times , described it as "elegantly written and unsparingly sad", and applauded its examination of British colonialism. [1] In a review for The Times Literary Supplement , Tadzio Koelb praised the novel's final section and Gurnah's storytelling. [5]

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References

  1. 1 2 Feay, Suzi (16 June 2017). "Gravel Heart by Abdulrazak Gurnah — 'elegantly written, unsparingly sad'". Financial Times . Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  2. "Gravel Heart". Kirkus Reviews . 6 June 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  3. Shamsie, Kamila (19 May 2017). "Gravel Heart by Abdulrazak Gurnah review – hard truth is hidden at home". The Guardian . Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  4. Wyss, Susi (16 August 2017). "Gravel Heart: A Novel". Washington Independent Review of Books . Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  5. Koelb, Tadzio (11 August 2017). "Falling for the wrong guy". The Times Literary Supplement . Retrieved 7 October 2021.