Description

‘Magical, beguiling… Carries echoes of Toni Morrison’s Beloved’ Guardian

A Vulture ‘Book We Can’t Wait to Read in 2022’

They had not lost anyone that year, or the ones they had lost were not worth remembering…

Set in the fictional Kenyan town of Mapeli, Things They Lost tells the story of four generations of women, each haunted by the mysterious curse that hangs over the Brown family. At the heart of the novel is Ayosa Ataraxis Brown, twelve years old and the loneliest girl in the world.

Okwiri Oduor’s stunningly original debut novel sings with Kenyan folklore and myth as it traces Ayosa’s fragile, toxic relationship with Nabumbo Promise, her mysterious and beguiling mother who comes and goes like tumbleweed: lost, but not quite gone.

Publisher Review

'From the start, Oduor - a winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing, among other honors - broadcasts her tremendous talents ... Come for the beguiling narrative, and stay for the rich, evocative language.' -- Vulture, Most Anticipated of 2022 'An extraordinary tale about love, longing, and the bond between mothers and daughters.' -- Vogue, 25 Books by Black Authors We Can't Wait to Read in 2022 'A tale steeped in the acrid surrealism of childhood, populated by wicked wraiths and held together by the vicious spell mothers can cast on their daughters.' * Leila Aboulela, author of Bird Summons * 'So profound, its humour shining so bright... A stunning debut!' -- Onyeka Nwelue, author of The Strangers of Braamfontein 'A haunting bond between mother and daughter is examined in Oduor's ambitious debut... Oduor makes loss and familial disappointment palpable through her potent and visceral prose. This keeps the reader holding their breath.' -- Publishers Weekly 'There are a small cadre of authors who redefine literary genres, writing freely without barriers. First-time novelist Oduor joins this exclusive literary club... A riveting story about love, friendship, and belonging, transporting the reader to a whimsical yet heartbreaking world. This tale of mystery and longing is reminiscent of works by Ngugi wa Thiong'o and perfect for fans of Akwaeke Emezi.' -- Booklist 'A coming-of-age tale that deftly refuses to play magic realism straight, Okwiri Oduor's Things they Lost blends the phantasmagoria of Tutuola's The Palm-Wine Drinkard with the deadpan, wry humour of Bolano. A welcome new Kenyan voice.' -- Olufemi Terry, author of Stickfighting Days 'Set in a small African town, this novel merges magic, myth, and mystery as it follows a girl's dilemma whether to save her mother or escape her intimidating presence.' -- Open Country Magazine, 50+ Most Anticipated Books of 2022 'Otherworldly, unconventional, delectably surreal. What a debut!' -- Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, author of The Dragonfly Sea