Why people recommend it
The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell is an ambitious, multi-generational debut novel tracing the history of Zambia through interconnected families. The book was discussed on The Book Review podcast by critic Dwight Garner during two separate July 2024 episodes. On Preet Bharara on the Rule of Law, Garner recounted reading the novel that week, noting that it was written by a first-time novelist born in Zambia. He praised the work and recommended it to listeners. Later, on the episode Times Critics Talk About Their Year-End Lists, Garner returned to the novel, explicitly citing it alongside other standout works that defined his reading life during that period. Throughout these podcast discussions, Garner emphasized the striking scope of Serpell's debut and its memorable presence among contemporary fiction releases. The critical attention on the podcast underscored the novel's powerful impact, drawing listeners toward its unique historical perspective and the impressive breadth of its multi-generational narrative framework.
Who recommended it
- Dwight Garner Recommended
Dwight Garner — 2 mentions
“and I read this novel this week called the old drift by a first novelist she's born in Zambia her name is namwali surel if I'm getting that correctly”
“and the other one was the old drift by namw surel”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
“She has two novels the old drift and the furrows both of which are incredible.”
“the old drift by Nam Wally surel Hattisburg an American story in black and white by Williams jerky”