

Read This: Zanzibar Is Still Home for Abdulrazak Gurnah
Mar 29, 2025
Abdulrazak Gurnah, a Tanzanian-born, London-based author and 2021 Nobel Prize winner, discusses his literary journey and latest novel, 'Theft.' He shares insights on the challenges of creativity post-Nobel and the intense emotions tied to returning home to Zanzibar after years abroad. Gurnah reflects on the dual impact of 1990s tourism on Zanzibar, exploring its economic benefits and social disruptions. He also delves into his characters' struggles with injustice and the complex relationships formed against a backdrop of cultural engagement.
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Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 3min
Navigating Creativity After the Spotlight
03:22 • 3min
Returning to Zanzibar: Navigating Identity and Change
06:49 • 7min
Theft, Relationships, and Resilience
13:39 • 8min
The Dual Impact of Tourism in 1990s Zanzibar
21:18 • 2min
Tourism and Cultural Engagement: A Complex Relationship
23:47 • 3min