Maaza Mengiste

Every time I pick up this book, I wonder how Laila Lalami created the magic that she did in this book. Her rendering of Mustafa al-Zamori’s voice reads pitch-perfect. The historical details are astonishing for their precision and accuracy. This is a breathtaking work of the imagination. And I’m proud to call Laila Lalami my friend. We met before either of us had ever published, in a summer writing workshop. I knew then what she continues to confirm now: she is a supremely talented writer, and in this book, she is magnificent. Perceptive, revelatory, and skillfully written, it is a must-read.