JANE LABOUS

British-Senegalese university lecturer, Soumaya Dramé, returns to her father's homeland — only to discover a shattering family secret.

 

University lecturer Soumaya Dramé embarks on a journey to Senegal in pursuit of her mother, Pearl, who has disappeared after a devastating rift with Soumaya’s Senegalese father. As Soumaya races against time to reunite her fractured family before irreversible decisions are made, she meets enigmatic photographer, Aziz, and is drawn into an encounter with a beautiful older woman who appears to be stalking her. But with long-buried family secrets threatening to unravel everything Soumaya knows and holds dear, she must confront the complexities of her parents' past and her own dual identity, amid a backdrop of cross-cultural tensions and hidden truths.  Set in the heart of sunny Dakar, The Chameleon Girl unfolds as a poignant exploration of love, loss, belonging, and the intricate ties that bind us.

 

The Chameleon Girl is published in Nigeria by Farafina Books, the literary imprint of Nigerian publishing house Kachifo.

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Farafina offers the best in contemporary African writing, and has published over 30 titles from Africa’s most celebrated literary authors, including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chris Abani, Ben Okri and Ngugi wa Thiong’o. The book's cover art is designed by Nigerian artist, Viktor Ehikhamenor.

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Praise for The Chameleon Girl:

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"The book’s strength lies in its remarkably human portrayal of its characters. It delves into their vulnerabilities, intentions (both virtuous and flawed), and diverse personalities. It skillfully demonstrates how one person’s choices can ripple through the lives of others, affecting not only their contemporaries but also future generations. While there have been numerous stories depicting the experiences of biracial individuals and their unique struggles, The Chameleon Girl is a breath of fresh air."

- Adaobi Nnadozie in Book o'Clock Review

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