For
centuries the Shirazi Persians and Omani Arabs sailed by dhow on the
monsoon winds down the coast of Africa from Mogadishu, past Zanzibar and
Kilwa to Sofala far in the south to trade in ivory, gold and glass
beads. But how did a Persian bowl with 13th century
inscriptions, a 14th century
coin minted in Kilwa and some cowrie shells, come to
be in the heart of Africa thousands of miles from the sea?
THE
WATERBEARER draws on the secrets of diaries, maps and ancient artefacts.
Set against the 14th century dhow trade, it
tells the story of Maji, a young Swahili boy, who finds himself in the hands of fierce
captors in the Kingdom of Gold. He faces not only death but something
far greater than his own power.
A reader reports:
'It's not often one comes across a manuscript that transports you
convincingly out of everyday life into an exotic world. The opening
passages of The Waterbearer do just that. They enchant with their
lyrical tone and the rich and elaborate setting… something of the old
magic of novels about sea voyages has been recaptured.'
Review from
The Burger newspaper:
‘…a
sweeping novel in lyrical prose that enchants. The ingenious play
between veiling and unveiling, fact and fiction is handled excellently.
What a joy to discover a novel with language so sensitive and supple,
yet not condescending or sentimental.
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