Description

The Kamanga Kings, a Khartoum jazz band of yesteryear, is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime when a surprise letter arrives inviting them to perform in Washington, D.C. The only problem is . . . the band no longer exists.

Rushdy is a disaffected secondary school teacher and the son of an original Kamanga King. Determined to see a life beyond his own home, he sets out to revive the band. Aided by his unreliable best friend, all too soon an unlikely group are on their way, knowing the eyes of their country are on them.

As the group moves from the familiarity of Khartoum to the chaos of Donald Trump’s America, Jamal Mahjoub weaves a gently humorous and ultimately universal tale of music, belonging and love.

Publisher Review

A novel of regeneration through music and the secret hunger of quiet lives. It is an immersive, humorous and powerful novel from a truly great writer who deserves a very wide audience -- CHIGOZIE OBIOMA A terrific work of fiction . . . Mahjoub moves his characters around one another and the events they've brought upon themselves with the command and finesse of a master storyteller who knows he has his audience enthralled . . . A truly humane story of love, hope, and faith. An exhilarating, profoundly moving, musical romp. I loved it -- MIRZA WAHEED Praise for A Line in the River: A wonderfully subtle exploration of place, identity and memory * * Guardian * * A most absorbing and rewarding book -- MICHAEL PALIN An affecting and heartfelt reminder for those of us who have passed time in Khartoum . . . I have been waiting more than fifty years for this book -- JIM CRACE