The Old Drift - Namwali Serpell (Book)

Title: The Old Drift

Author: Namwali Serpell

Publisher: Hogarth Press

Publication Date: March 21, 2019

The Old Drift is a debut novel by Zambian author Namwali Serpell that intertwines the lives of three families—Zambian, Italian, and Indian—across three generations, from 1904 to the near future. Beginning with a colonial mishap on the banks of the Zambezi River, the narrative unfolds through a blend of historical fiction, magical realism, and science fiction, exploring themes of identity, colonialism, and technological advancement. The novel has received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the 2020 Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Anisfield-Wolf Book Award.