Gravel Heart

Gravel Heart

First edition
Author	Abdulrazak Gurnah
Publisher	Bloomsbury
Publication date	1 August 2017
Pages	272
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]

References

1. 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.