The Global Phenomenon
Lucky Girl
A shimmering coming-of-age story that crosses continents and cultures.
The Story
A Journey of Identity and Belonging
Soila is a young woman living in 1990s Nairobi, a city that feels both like home and a prison. Raised under the strict, religious surveillance of her mother, she dreams of a life unfettered by expectation and tradition.
When the opportunity to study in New York City arises, it feels like the ultimate escape. But America presents its own set of challenges—unanticipated racism, cultural alienation, and the complex reality of being an African immigrant in a country divided by its own history.
As Soila navigates new friendships, first loves, and the harsh realities of independence, she must decide which parts of her past to carry with her and which to leave behind.
Praise
Irene Muchemi-Ndiritu’s debut novel, Lucky Girl, is a coming-of-age story about a privileged but sheltered teenager in Kenya, Soila, who is eager for escape. . . . Lucky Girl is at its strongest when Muchemi-Ndiritu addresses the topic of American racism.
The New York Times Book Review
Lucky Girl is at times tender, at times funny, at times uncomfortably frank. . . . A fresh look at racism, privilege, and the challenges of coming-of-age and falling in love between two cultures.
Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake
Stimulating the heart and mind, Lucky Girl is an irresistible novel that captures the immense pressure—to be perfect, to live on our own terms, to love and be loved—of our times.
Mateo Askaripour, New York Times bestselling author of Black Buck
An incredibly nuanced, character-driven story with a courageous protagonist to root for, Lucky Girl is a powerful exploration of making the most of the hand you’ve been dealt.
Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?
Get Your Copy
Available in Hardcover, Paperback, E-book, and Audiobook at major retailers worldwide.