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]

Gravel Heart
First edition
AuthorAbdulrazak Gurnah
PublisherBloomsbury
Publication date
1 August 2017
Pages272
ISBN978-1-63286-813-8
Preceded byThe Last Gift 
Followed byAfterlives 

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

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  1. ^ a b 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.