Ayana Gray’s debut novel 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒚 is a splendid and masterfully written story that has sealed its place in our fantasy canon. This pan-African tale takes us to the mythical city of Lkossa, where we meet Koffi, a young indentured woman who is on the brink of learning of the magical gift she possesses.

We talk with Ayana about the birth of an idea that became a New York Times best-selling novel. And we speak about the search for identity in fiction as African Americans must reckon with the erasure of history and mythology due to slavery.