HOT OFF THE PRESS

SEASON OF CRIMSON BLOSSOMS

By ABUBAKAR ADAM IBRAHIM, Cassava Republic An illicit affair between a 55-yearold widow and a 25-year-old drug dealer and political thug provokes condemnation in a conservative city in northern Nigeria. After her sexually repressed marriage, Binta Zubairu, a grandmother of five, finds solace in the unconventional relationship – but with disastrous consequences. What the critics say “The taboo subject of an older woman’s sexuality is portrayed with courage, skill and delicacy. This is a novel to be savoured.” – ZOË WICOMB, AUTHOR OF YOU CAN’T GET LOST IN CAPE TOWN

DIFFICULT WOMEN

By ROXANE GAY, Grove Press A woman pretends not to notice when her husband and his twin brother swop places and impersonate each other. A stripper putting herself through college fends off the advances of an overzealous customer. And a pair of sisters who’ve been inseparable ever since they were abducted as children must negotiate the elder sister’s marriage. This shortstory anthology from bestselling author Roxane Gay features a chorus of unforgettable women caught up in unusual situations. What the critics say “The stories, phenomenally powerful and beautifully written, demonstrate the threats so many women face.” – CLAIRE KOHDA HAZELTON, THE OBSERVER

ASYLUM

By MARCUS LOW, Picador Africa This debut novel, set in a near future sees the SA government struggling to contain an outbreak of a highly infectious fatal lung disease. After being diagnosed with the dreaded condition Barry James is sent to a remote asylum in the Karoo to die in captivity. Following a failed suicide attempt he finds comfort by opening up about his past to a pretty redheaded psychologist. But it isn’t enough. He yearns to escape. But where is there to go? What the critics say “Thought-provoking, alluring . . . it’s a mesmerising novel which announces a new thrilling talent on the local literary scene.” – KARINA M SZCZUREK, CAPE TIMES