An electrifying Afrobeat love story about a young Senegalese jazz musician and an aspiring African American producer thrown together by chance, and destined to make music that will change the world.

'Extraordinary' - The New York Times
'A mouth-watering delight . . . subtle yet striking' - Sarah Jessica Parker
'A glorious debut . . . a richly layered account of artistic endeavour and resilience' - Guardian

Shortlisted for The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize 2024

Bonnie, a lost American girl with a troubled past.

Mansour, a gifted musician about to be discovered by the world.

When they meet at a jazz club in New York City, 1968, it is clear they are meant to be together. As they tour the globe, from Paris to Rio and Switzerland, stardom seems only a heartbeat away. But now Mansour is missing, and Bonnie, pregnant with their baby, must find him.

In They Dream in Gold, Mai Sennaar takes us across oceans and continents as we chart their once-in-a-lifetime love.

'One of the most beautiful debuts I’ve ever read' - Dawnie Walton, author of The Final Revival of Opal & Nev
'A sweeping, fascinating book' - The Times