Harare, Zimbabwe. A gun lost in a taxi will bind the fate of five couples - expats and locals - who will either be torn apart or brought together under its violent gravity
Harare, Zimbabwe. A gun lost in a taxi will bind the fate of five couples - expats and locals - who will either be torn apart or brought together under its violent gravity
Sharp and blackly humorous, THE DEATH OF REX NHONGO follows five marriages and one gun, which collide on the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe. When Patson finds a gun in his taxi, it gives a jolt to a marriage already balancing on the knife-edge of poverty. Shuttling disaffected British expats, avoiding intelligence officers and supporting deluded relatives from the country, Patson weaves a web through a city that can speak of only one thing: General Rex Nhongo, and the rumours surrounding his death.
This is a portrait of marriage under pressure; of husband and wife in breakdown, breakup and breakthrough. Portraying racial pride or middle class guilt, government conspiracy or childhood compulsion, C. B. George never softens his grip on the uncomfortable truth.“Book of the Year”
A terrific novel - absolutely compelling and chilling. A wonderfully astute and forensic blend of fact and fiction, lies and truth.
This is a brilliantly unsettling book; its shrewd, measured, darkly atmospheric prose describes the societal, familial and psychological conditions that make it possible to find burnt corpses in fire-proof houses.A brilliant piece of work, which takes a cleaver to Zimbabwe - splitting it wide open for all to see. Fascinating, enjoyable, compact and driving - Jesse Armstrong, writer, The Thick of ItMuscular, confident . . . C . B. George's account of that strained relationship is horribly convincing . . . As the characters stumble into each others' trajectories, the author pulls off the feat of being both forensic and forgiving - SpectatorC. B. George has spent many years working throughout Southern Africa. He now lives in London.
Sharp and blackly humorous, THE DEATH OF REX NHONGO follows five marriages and one gun, which collide on the streets of Harare, Zimbabwe. When Patson finds a gun in his taxi, it gives a jolt to a marriage already balancing on the knife-edge of poverty. Shuttling disaffected British expats, avoiding intelligence officers and supporting deluded relatives from the country, Patson weaves a web through a city that can speak of only one thing: General Rex Nhongo, and the rumours surrounding his death. This is a portrait of marriage under pressure; of husband and wife in breakdown, breakup and breakthrough. Portraying racial pride or middle class guilt, government conspiracy or childhood compulsion, C. B. George never softens his grip on the uncomfortable truth.
This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.