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by Olivia M. Coetzee (Author), Olivia M. Coetzee (Translator)
Brittle Paper 100 Notable African Books of 2024
A Literary Review of Canada Best Book Cover of 2024
THE FIRST NOVEL TO BE TRANSLATED FROM KAAPS, A SPOKEN DIALECT OF AFRIKAANS.
When the unidentifiable remains of a body are discovered in a field in the Shadow Heights neighbourhood on the outskirts of Cape Town, Ley, the youngest detective at her precinct, is assigned the case. Soon after she begins her investigation, Ley receives a phone call saying that Carl, a friend struggling with a meth addiction, has gone missing after being linked to the local Drug King. Meanwhile, a church group believe they are cleansing the area by burning sinners, starting with gay people.
The search for Carl, and the truth, winds through the vibrant lives of the residents of Shadow Heights. Violence, poverty, and shame plague the neighbourhood, but there is also love, acceptance, and hope to be found among friends and family in the shadows of everyday life.
