–> The Public Prosecutor by Jef Geeraerts, Brian Doyle (Translator)
A splendid reminder of the virtues of the traditional novel, this work tackles the territory of Balzac and Zola, not just in the solidity of its construction and characters, but in its readiness to tackle corruption in church and state.
–> A River Called Time by Mia Couto
Description
Mariano, who has lived in the city from an early age, is summoned back to his village to attend his grandfather’s funeral. But when he arrives, he discovers two things: firstly, that he has been nominated by his grandfather to take over the running of the family affairs, secondly that his grandfather has not died completely, but is in that frontier space between life and death. In traditional belief, he has died ‘badly’, and something must happen in order for him to be laid to rest.
Mariano starts to receive letters supposedly written by his grandfather, telling him about the family. It is through this strange relationship that he discovers the secret of his own birth, while also cleansing his grandfather’s conscience. The novel contains a blend of picturesque and sometimes comic characters and situations.
–> War Damage by Elizabeth Wilson
Description
London in the aftermath of World War II is a beaten down, hungry place, so it’s no wonder that Regine Milner’s Sunday house parties are so popular. But when one of Regine’s party guests turns up dead, there is no shortage of suspects.
War Damage is full of secrets, sexual experimentation, and surprises.