Travelling While Black

Reviews

‘Reading Travelling While Black feels like engaging in a conversation that I have always wanted to have. … Inspirational, thoughtful and informative.’ ‘Nyabola’s insightful essays deal with identity and the notion of home and belonging, in a world challenged by mobility and dislocation. This collection joins a venerable tradition of Black essay-writing, as it discovers for the socially aware traveller new routes and philosophies to explore.’ ‘Nyabola’s strength lies in an ability to join the dots and analyse what she sees before her, in fiercely articulate and erudite prose. … [She] exhorts us to … look at the bigger picture and rethink the status quo.’ ‘Through her experiences, [Nanjala Nyabola] brings to life the legacies of “othering” and colonialism that impact how Black people are perceived and treated around the world.’ ‘[Written with] passion, erudition, and fluidity … Provocative and always willing to take on the conventional wisdom, Nyabola emerges with this book as an important observer.’ ‘A rigorous meditation on what it means to move through the world as a Black, African woman. … This is a thought-provoking book.’ ‘Nanjala Nyabola is a highly self-aware guide in this personal investigation into race, travel and migration in the 21st century… exploring them with depth and insight and a bright alertness to difference. […] Often beautifully written, the book rewards on many levels, especially when the personal and political are brought together.’ ‘In the great tradition of Said, Orwell and Bessie Head, Nyabola’s is a profound, gripping and beautiful book of undeniable genius on exile, migration and travel in our catastrophic times. It speaks to all those committed to truth and justice.’ ‘A unique, provocative and thoughtful collection of essays. Part autobiography and travelogue, but also a powerful reflection on migration, travel, identity, racism, literature, language, Pan-Africanism and the experiences of a young Kenyan woman travelling throughout the modern world.’ ‘What a book! Nyabola takes us on a travel odyssey and an inner quest, and with her we recognise what remains undone and how we see or unsee others. Lethal and restless, yet tender and vulnerable. Disturbing, delicious, defiant. A triumph.’ ‘Skilfully told … constantly challenging the reader to ask questions and see the world from varying perspectives.’ ‘An insightful, sometimes uncomfortable read, and, like travel itself, opens our eyes.’ Expand reviews