Author Kehinde Winful is stopping by to talk about her debut release. I recently spoke with her about Flooding the River.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest (and debut) is called Flooding the River. It is published by WiseInk Creative Publishing, and I am so happy for it to be out in the world as of January 28, 2025. Flooding the River explores the intricacies of women’s lives, including love, friendship, and the complexities of mother/daughter relationships. The novel is a coming-of-age story for black women crippling with the realities of adulthood, love, responsibility, and self-love and presents an interpersonal journey through the main characters that forces the characters to ask themselves (and each other) the same questions that many Black women are asking themselves today.
Why did you decide to write it?
Writing this novel was truly a “write the book you want to read” experience for me. As an avid reader since childhood, I noticed that many of the books centered on Black characters often explored the same themes. I wanted something different—a story I hadn’t yet seen on the shelf. So, I decided to create it. It was incredibly important to me to highlight a Black woman navigating relationships that bring her joy and ultimately lead to a happy ending. That’s not to say there is no hardship in this story, because there is, but the key point is that the hardship is not the story, it’s just a part of a story that has a happy ending.
Who is your favorite character and why?
I love this question because I have been thinking about it so much lately. It’s funny, when I was writing the book, I had a favorite character and now that a couple years have passed, I have a new favorite character. I don’t want to say yet because I want to see what others think, but I will say all of the characters have a special place in my heart.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
As early as I can remember. I wrote six books in the second grade, and I still have them all.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
I am an attorney by profession. But, If I could be something else, I would be a full-time writer and vlogger, maybe a chief of staff for an international organization. All very different, but I have varied interests, so ideally, I can be all of these things throughout my life.
What author would you fangirl over?
Easy. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I love her.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I’m currently reading Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. I’ve been reading it slowly—the sentences are so good. I’m not even finished, and I know it’s going to be added to my top five.
What books are you most excited to read next?
I can’t wait to read The Edge of Water by Olufunke Grace Bankole. The cover looks amazing, but the blurb looks even better. It’s out in early February and is next on my “to read” list.
What’s next for you?
It’s book launch season for me. I have some upcoming events at Black Garnet Books, The Literary, and The Shop at Matter. I am also working on my second novel in any of the free time that I have.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I love BFA, and am so happy to be featured.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Flooding the River.
To learn more about Kehinde Winful, visit her website or connect with her on social media:
Website: Kehindewinful.com
Instagram: kenyoureads