Reads

The Yearning by Mohale Mashigo (Picador Africa; R267)

When Marubini begins to notice a strange, ominous presence looming in the shadows of her life, she has no idea that it’s the reminder of past pain and memories long forgotten. She tries to ignore it, but when the darkness causes her to pass out and have disturbing flashbacks, she goes home to her family to uncover the truth. A South African tale about tragic events, yearning, loss and overcoming all obstacles.

Maestra by LS Hilton (Zaffre Publishing; R318)

Maestra is being hailed as the new Fifty Shades and like Fifty, it’s the first of a planned series, is set to be made into a film and has sex scenes aplenty. This time around, though, there’s murder in the mix, plus a heroine who works in the art world, hangs out in upmarket spots and name-checks designer labels. Dickens it ain’t, but you may still find yourself developing a perverse fondness for the stylish, sexy and sociopathic Judith Rashleigh.

The Chimes by Anna Smaill (Hodder & Stoughton; R222)

Intricate, imaginative and lyrical, The Chimes is set in futuristic London where food is foraged, life is cheap and the totalitarian order controls citizens by banning the written word via a form of music that destroys memory and causes death. In this post-apocalyptic world, the orphaned teenager Simon joins a small group of scavengers, and the resulting quest and romance lead to a conclusion that’s a reminder of the power of the past.

“I read for pleasure and that is the moment I learn the most.” – Margaret Atwood