Olumide Popoola, Like Water Like Sea

Set against the vibrant backdrop of London, Like Water Like Sea is an immersive novel of self-discovery, resilience, and the unifying power of love. It follows the life of Nia, a queer, bi/pansexual naturopath, as her life unfolds across three pivotal moments, spanning from her 28th year to a life-altering realisation at the age of 50.

This event will include an audience Q&A. After the event there will be an opportunity to get your book signed by the author.

Listen Up! We are delighted to be partnering with Colchester Samaritans and Essex Cultural Diversity Project for this very special day of events. Part of Colchester Samaritans 60th anniversary celebrations.

Saturday 8 June, 4.00pm

Venue: Samaritans, Walsingham Road Community Hall, 34 Walsingham Road, Colchester, CO2 7BN
Tickets: £8 / £7 concessions (Students, Under 27s and Unwaged)
Box Office: essexbookfestival.org.uk or Mercury Theatre 01206 573948

Like Water Like Sea by Olumide Popoola

Published 21 May 2024 (Cassava Republic Press)

Order a copy of Like Water Like Sea at bookshop.org

Sometimes we swim, sometimes we float, other times we are drowning. It’s not always easy to know which is which.

It is the ten-year anniversary of her sister’s death, and Nia is grappling with her grief, and balancing the complicated relationships weaving through her life. There is smart and sexy Temi; Melvin, her teenage love; and her new yet intimate friendship with Rahul and Crystal. But looming large over everything is her mother SuSu, whose battle with bipolar disorder continues to cast a profound shadow over Nia.

Delving deep into the intricate tapestry of Nia’s life, Like Water Like Sea is a poignant tale of self-discovery and resilience, sexuality and motherhood, and falling apart to become truly whole.

About the Author

Olumide Popoola is a writer, speaker and performer. Her publications include essays, poetry, the novella this is not about sadness (Unrast, 2010), the play Also by Mail (edition assemblage, 2013), the short collection breach, which she co-authored with Annie Holmes (Peirene Press, 2016). In 2004 she won the May Ayim Award (Poetry), the first Black German Literary Award. Olumide holds a PhD in Creative Writing.

Kindly supported by Colchester City Council Cultural and Creative Events Fund