Waiting for the Flood

The novel chronicles the reflective odyssey of Babakar Traoré, an African-born physician practicing in Guadeloupe who leads a solitary existence haunted by memories of his mother and a lost love. His quiet life shifts when he assumes guardianship over Anaïs, a newborn child whose Haitian mother dies in childbirth. Determined to return Anaïs to her ancestral homeland, Babakar embarks on a journey to earthquake-threatened and politically fractured Haiti. Accompanying him are two fellow wanderers: Fouad, a displaced Palestinian, and Mufar, a passionate young Haitian. Traversing regions plagued by civil violence, post-colonial instability, and social inequality, Condé weaves a rich multi-voiced tapestry exploring displacement, adoptive parenthood, the search for roots, and the unexpected warmth of human solidarity amidst world chaos.

It offers a powerful, masterfully written global narrative on identity and human connection, demonstrating how compassion and friendship can flourish even within devastated landscapes and unstable political environments.

Ideal for readers of translated world literature, fans of Caribbean and African fiction, and anyone drawn to poignant character-driven stories addressing migration, historical memory, and global solidarity.