Irene Muchemi-Ndiritu was born and raised in Nairobi and moved to the United States to attend college in 1998. She has an MA in journalism from the Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University and has worked as a journalist in New York City, Washington D.C., and Boston. She later received an MFA in creative writing from the University of Cape Town, graduating with distinction. Her fictional work has been published in Yale Review and Adda and she has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. She currently lives in Cape Town, South Africa. Lucky Girl is her debut novel.
Told through the eyes of a young Kenyan woman who moves to America, Lucky Girl is at times tender, at times funny, at times uncomfortably frank. . . . A fresh look at racism, privilege, and the challenges of coming-of-age and falling in love between two cultures. -Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake From the leafy suburbs of Nairobi to the buzzing boroughs of New York City and back again, Lucky Girl is a glittering coming-of-age novel and a juicy indictment of the 'tilted society of haves and have-nots.' Muchemi-Ndiritu writes with spirit and nuance about privilege, race, and intergenerational heartache. I couldn't put it down. -Alison B. Hart, author of The Work Wife Stimulating the heart and mind, Lucky Girl is an irresistible novel that captures the immense pressure--to be perfect, to live on our own terms, to love and be loved--of our times. Fiery conversations around race, belonging, and differing cultures give this debut its vibrant energy, but the hard-won wisdom is what allows it to soar. Most brilliantly, Irene Muchemi-Ndiritu shows us what it means to live in balance, and how duties and dreams don't always have to be at odds, especially when love is involved. Surprises abound, Lucky Girl is the literary gift we all need, making us the lucky ones. -Matteo Askapipour, New York Times bestselling author of Black Buck An incredibly nuanced, character-driven story with a courageous protagonist to root for. Lucky Girl is a powerful exploration of making the most of the hand you've been dealt. -Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? A beautifully written and illuminating story about parental pressure, undeserved shame, and Kenyan culture. -Jessica George, author of Maame