950. The Heart of Redness

The Heart of Redness
Zakes Mda
2000

Around 290 pages

It's awesome to get another South African novel on this List, even if it means shelling out some money to get a copy.

Camugu has returned to South Africa after fleeing to America during Apartheid. He pursues a woman he heard sing at a funeral. He discovers that people have split into two factions of the same family tree. The split began when a young prophetess ordered the people to destroy their cattle and crops, promising if they did the ancestors would drive the white people away. The people are split in two groups: Believers and Non-Believers. Camagu becomes involved with a lady from each group.

You can see this is a homage to Joseph Conrad, based on the title and themes. I think I have had enough circumcision novels for a lifetime, but this was still an entertaining read that highlights the relevance of cultural history. 

Interested to see what else Mda has to offer. 

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Mda's novels have been translated into 21 languages.

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