One of the highlights of the inaugural Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) 2025 was Nobel Prize-winning author Abdulrazak Gurnah’s captivating Book Talk session on day two.
The session, led by Emirati writer Eman Al Yousef, focused on Gurnah’s novel “Afterlives,” probing migration, displacement, and colonial scars in East Africa.
Gurnah emphasised how stories entangle us, highlighting the universal resonance of literature. “Afterlives” delves into the aftermath of German colonialism, portraying ordinary lives amid historical forces.
Nobel laureate Gurnah discussed the enduring impacts of colonialism, urging a comprehensive understanding to move forward collectively.
Gurnah reflected on his exposure to storytelling, acknowledging the influence of the women in his childhood home. He emphasised the complexity of African and Arab experiences interwoven in his narratives.
Celebrating reading as a bridge between cultures, Gurnah stressed how literature fosters shared humanity and empathy across borders.
Despite his migration to the UK as a refugee, Gurnah’s work consistently returns to Zanzibar, showcasing the lasting influence of his memories and ancestral ties.
