
CONTEMPORARY FICTION (ZAMBIA)
The Lions’ Den by Iris Mwanza, 2024
R415 from The Book Lounge
This legal thriller is particularly satisfying because of the heroine – the feisty, spirited Grace Zulu. And the reference to the lions’ den is just that – she battles deeply held prejudice, violent police, a corrupt system, a boss who wants her to stay in her lane, and frustrations with the Church. I absolutely loved her dogged resolve, her deep humanity and her internal struggles to find more skilful ways to channel her moral outrage. The detailed backdrop of the book: the dust, the goats, the envelope of kwacha, the Fantas, all add to the feeling of immersion in Grace’s world. I hope there will be a series of books inviting us back into it. Shivani Ranchod

CONTEMPORARY FICTION (NIGERIA)
And So I Roar by Abi Daré, 2024
R415 from The Book Lounge
Abi Daré’s And So I Roar is the captivating sequel to The Girl with the Louding Voice. Continuing 14-year-old Adunni’s journey toward her dream of becoming a teacher, the novel offers a heartfelt exploration of resilience, survival, and hope in the face of adversity. It follows Adunni as she finds herself having to put her dreams on hold to return to her home village of Ikati to fight against accusations of murder and the weight of deeply ingrained traditions that threaten her future. Through masterful storytelling, Daré blends suspense, cultural critique and raw emotion to address themes such as women’s rights, modern slavery and harmful traditional beliefs. The novel illuminates the unseen challenges many young girls and women face and showcases their strength, offering an inspiring and thought-provoking narrative. Nokwanda Mnxgitama