I would like to thank my father, Jama, for many things: laying his life before me — both to admire and to embellish; for his unwavering support in writing this book; and for surviving everything with peace and love in his heart.

I am indebted to my mother, Zahra Faarax Kaahin. The next book will be for you, hooyo. Wax kasta ood ii karikarto waad ii kartay libaaxaday.

Yousaf Ali Khan set this book off on its journey into the world.

Butetown History & Arts Centre, Abdi Arwo, and The Arts Council enabled me to start writing.

My earliest readers: Hana Mohamed, Dr. Lana Srzic, Dr. Srinika Ranasinghe, Khadar Axmed Faarax, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Liz Chan, Sabreen Hussain, and Emily Hayward. Thank you.

My family in Hargeisa: Abti Maxamed Faarax Kaahin, Edo Caasha and Edo Faadumo, Liban, Xamse, Saciid, Abbas, Naciima, and all my cousins, thank you for making my journey to Hargeisa so memorable.

To the friends and family who gave me encouragement or necessary distraction: Ahmed Mohamed, Nura Mohamed, Mary Mbema, Rosalind Dampier, Sarah Khawaja, Attiyya Malik, Danielle Drainey, Mei Ying Cheung, Emily Woodhouse, Sulaiman, and Lies and Saleh Addonia.

Selma El-Rayah, as-saayih extraordinaire, you championed me and spread the word far and wide.

Abdi Mohamed and Osman El-Nusairi gave me their time and knowledge.

Alex Wheatle — the Brixton bard — you set a high standard in so many ways.

Chenoa Marquis, thank you for that day in the Rhodes House library.

Dr. Virginia Luling, your timely assistance helped me trace Ibrahim Ismaa’il’s autobiography.

My gali-gali agent Ben Mason, you saw the pearl in the oyster shell, and your faith and counsel are invaluable to me.

Courtney Hodell, you are incredible. Mahadsanid for the passion, sagacity, and brilliance you brought to this novel.

I would like to express my gratitude to Jake Smith-Bosanquet, Mark Krotov, and everyone at Conville and Walsh and FSG for making this novel happen.