Two books about South Africa ...
Probably because of its prominence in the media over the recent World Cup, 2 novels caught my eye that were based in South Africa.
'Frankie and Stankie' by Barbara Trapido is a wonderful read - a coming of age novel (a format I usually avoid) which is made all the more compelling by its background of the introduction of Apartheid. She's a sparkling, witty writer who highlights the absurdity of the regime through clever observations and wry details. Highly recommended.
I also finished Jason Donald's 'Choke Chain', which was less about South African politics and more about internal family politics and the dynamics of a family led by a sadistic, ignorant father. Yet it avoided being a "misery memoir" - it was an intelligent analysis of father/son relationships and what it is to "be a man" in the most profound sense of the word. Again, a definite recommendation. Not comfortable reading, but a page-turner that I found hard to put down.
Two great books, chanced upon by accident.