The Dragonfly Sea

A magical novel of love, exploration and home, spanning the East African coast, China, Turkey and the seas in between, from one of Kenya's leading writers.

The Dragonfly Sea follows the unforgettable Ayaana's journey to adulthood after her small-island childhood is interrupted. Targeted first by religious fundamentalists and second by Chinese emissaries, Ayaana is sent on a container ship to study in China, where she is forced to grow up fast.

With its epic scope and lush lyricism, Owuor evokes a fascinating kind of beauty in this dangerous, chaotic world and its ever-shifting oceans and trade. A transcendent story of love and adventure, and of the inexorable need for shelter in a dangerous world.

'The Dragonfly Sea transported me at a time I really wanted to be transported. Lyrical, compassionate, and deeply original, it has stayed with me, and is the novel I have most enjoyed this year.' Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland

'This novel from one of Africa's most exciting voices in fiction delivers on expectations ... a continent-hopping novel of epic proportions.' Refinery29

'A daring and compelling novel, evocative and lavishly detailed.' Abdulrazak Gurnah, Nobel prize-winning author of Afterlives

'Moving, epic and transcendent, The Dragonfly Sea is a glorious tale that spans two continents, multiple cultures and the lives of endearing characters.' Bad Form Review

'Owuor writes in heart-stopping bursts of imagery and retooled language ... gloriously unique.' Vanity Fair