In this episode of our Author Book Chat series, podcast host Benny sits down with Samuel Kolawole, author of the internationally acclaimed debut novel The Road to the Salt Sea. Together, they explore the novel’s unforgettable characters, powerful themes, and the creative journey behind this thought-provoking story.
Join Benny and Samuel in this insightful and funny conversation as they discuss Kolawole’s writing process, the inspiration behind his characters, and what readers can expect next from this exciting new voice in African literature.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Behind-the-scenes look at The Road to the Salt Sea
Samuel Kolawole’s writing process and creative inspirations
Themes of migration, identity, and resilience
Insights for writers, readers, and book lovers everywhere
About the Book:
A searing exploration of the global migration crisis, The Road to the Salt Sea takes readers from Nigeria to Libya to Italy through the eyes of Able God — a young man working at a luxury hotel where he flashes his “toothpaste-white smile” for wealthy guests. When he’s not serving the privileged, he dreams big, reads self-help books, and learns life lessons from chess — until one decision changes everything.
Join the Conversation: Whether you’re part of a book club, a fan of African storytelling, or just love hearing authors discuss their craft, this episode is filled with laughter, insight, and inspiration.
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