In this edition, we journey into the pages of House of Rust by Khadija Abdalla Bajaber— a spellbinding debut that invites us to sail between the realms of reality and myth, where the ocean is both a source of life and a place of untold mysteries.

Set in the vibrant coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, this novel masterfully weaves magical realism with Swahili folklore, offering a fresh, poetic take on the coming-of-age adventure. At its heart is Aisha, a young Hadrami girl whose world is upended when her beloved fisherman father disappears at sea.

Refusing to accept his loss, Aisha sets out on a daring rescue mission. Her vessel? A boat made entirely of bones—mysterious, beautiful, and otherworldly. Her only companion? A quick-witted, talking cat who claims to be a scholar, equal parts guide and trickster.

As Aisha sails beyond familiar waters, she encounters a surreal parade of characters: ferocious sea monsters, political crows plotting their next move, wise old goats dispensing cryptic truths, and countless other beings that blur the line between friend and foe. Each encounter tests her bravery, her resilience, and her sense of self.

House of Rust is more than just an adventure—it’s a celebration of heritage, storytelling, and the unbreakable bond between a child and her roots. It explores themes of courage, identity, and the eternal pull between the known and the unknown. Through Bajaber’s lush prose, the Indian Ocean becomes a living character, carrying secrets in its depths and lessons in its tides.

This is a novel that speaks to dreamers, wanderers, and anyone who has ever been called to venture beyond the horizon in search of truth.

Let’s allow our colleague John Agu of our partner station, Albarka Radio Bauchi, to bring us the review.