In Paradise by Abdulrazak Gurnah, published in 1994, a young Tanzanian boy named Yusuf is sold to Uncle Aziz, a traveling merchant, to settle his family's debt. At the merchant's shop, Yusuf learns about life's complexities and goes on a trade expedition into Africa's interior, where he witnesses the impact of colonialism and human desperation. Nominee for the Booker and Whitbread Prizes, the novel, written by Nobel Laureate Gurnah, explores East African cultures and colonial exploitation. Exploitation, violence, and instances of child trafficking and abuse are depicted.

Paradise by Abdulrazak Gurnah has garnered praise for its vivid portrayal of East African colonialism and intricate character development. Critics highlight the rich, evocative prose and nuanced exploration of identity. However, some find its pacing slow and the narrative structure challenging. Overall, it is lauded for its literary depth and historical significance.

Readers who relish immersive historical fiction like Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart or Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude will appreciate Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Paradise. They seek rich narratives exploring colonialism, identity, and cultural intersections within evocative settings.

Mysterious / Melancholic / Dark / Nostalgic / Contemplative

Abdulrazak Gurnah

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Paradise and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Paradise Summary and Study Guide

Background

Paradise Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Walled Garden”

Part 1 Paradise Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Mountain Town”

Part 2 Paradise Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Journey into the Interior”

Part 3 Paradise Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Gates of Flame”

Part 4 Paradise Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Grove of Desire”

Part 5 Paradise Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “A Clot of Blood”

Part 6 Paradise Part 6 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Paradise Character Analysis

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Themes

Paradise Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Paradise Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Paradise Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Paradise Essay Topics

Paradise

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Paradise?

Reading Age

Book Details