13 stories
The Boat Builder's Wife of Shela | ุฒูููุฌูุฉู ุจูููุงุกู ุงููููุงุฑูุจู ูู ุดููุง
In the picturesque village of Shela near Lamu, a boat builder's young wife discovers passion with a visiting Arab calligrapher.
The Dhow Captain's Wife of Lamu | ุฒูููุฌูุฉู ุฑูุจูุงูู ุงูู ูุฑูููุจู ูู ูุงู ู
In the ancient Swahili port of Lamu, a dhow captain's voluptuous wife finds forbidden pleasure with the young pearl diver who brings her husband's cargo.
The Sail Maker's Widow of Matondoni | Mjane wa Mshonaji Matanga wa Matondoni | ุฃูุฑูู ูููุฉู ุตุงููุนู ุงูุฃูุดูุฑูุนูุฉู ูู ู ุงุชูููุฏููู
In the dhow-building village of Matondoni on Lamu Island, a sail maker's voluptuous widow teaches a young canvas merchant the art of catching the wind.
The Turtle Hunter's Wife of Manda | Mke wa Mwindaji wa Kasa wa Manda | ุฒูููุฌูุฉู ุตูููุงุฏู ุงูุณูููุงุญููู ูู ู ุงููุฏุง
On the uninhabited island of Manda, a turtle hunter's voluptuous wife finds passion with the young archaeologist excavating the ancient ruins.
Three Widows
His brother's funeral brings the three widowed sisters-in-law together. Their grief finds an unexpected outletโand they decide to share it.
The Cleansing
An old tradition says a widow must be 'cleansed' before she can remarry. The village chooses the cleanser. This time, they choose her nephew.
The Spice Merchant's Wife
Her husband sails the old routesโLamu to Oman, gone for months at a time. She manages the warehouse. He manages the inventory. Some spices require personal handling.
The Boat Builder's Wife
Her husband builds dhows. The apprentice helps with the wood. When the master is away testing a new vessel, the apprentice helps with other things too.
Eid Visit
He returns to Lamu Island for Eid and finds his cousinโonce a skinny teenagerโnow a voluptuous divorcรฉe with unfinished business.
The Witness
Old tradition requires a witness to the wedding night. His mother-in-law volunteers. But watching isn't enoughโshe needs to verify everything personally.
The Delegation
Three aunts arrive to negotiate his marriage. But the bride's family has one condition: proof of the groom's capabilities. The aunts volunteer to provide the evidence themselves.
The Dowry Keeper
She holds the dowries of Lamu's elite families in trust. Before any groom receives his bride's wealth, he must prove himself worthy. Her standards are high. Her tests are personal.
Inheritance Claim
Four aunts. One nephew. And an inheritance that requires him to choose. They decide to let his body make the decision.