Behold the Dreamers

By Imbolo Mbue

WINNER OF THE 2017 PEN/FAULKNER AWARD
A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR
AN OBSERVER BOOK OF THE YEAR
AN OPRAH BOOK CLUB PICK

New York, 2007. After two long years apart, Jende Jonga has brought his wife Neni from Cameroon to join him in the land of opportunity. Drawn by the promise of America they are seeking the chance of a better life for them and their son.

When Jende lands a dream job as chauffeur to a Lehman Brothers executive, Neni finds herself taken into the confidence of his glamorous wife Cindy. The Edwards are powerful and privileged: dazzling examples of what America can offer to those who are prepared to strive for it.

But when the financial world is rocked by the collapse of Lehman Brothers, all four lives are dramatically upended. As faultlines appear in both marriages and secrets bubble to the surface they must all decide how far they will go in pursuit of their dreams. And what will they sacrifice along the way?

‘A formidable storyteller’ Jonathan Franzen

‘Savage and compassionate in all the right places’ New York Times Book Review

‘Eerily timely … bittersweet and buoyant’ Jessie Burton

‘A marvellous debut… as deeply insightful as it is delightfully entertaining’ Taiye Selasi