Published
by Quercus Books, 18 September, 2014.
ISBN: 978-1782063308
Zambia, 2011. A handicapped girl
has been raped, and lawyers working for CILA, an organisation combatting human
rights abuse, are determined to bring the assailant to justice.
This
politically-aware crime novel highlighted the theme of abuse of women, not just
of the vulnerable, like Downs Syndrome child Kuyeya, but also of the
privileged, where not even the daughter of a rich politician was given the
belief and support she needed. The novel is narrated in the third person,
following Zoe, one of the CILA team. Zoe’s mother was an activist in Africa,
and Zoe shares her love for the continent, and her determination to make a
difference. At the same time, she has difficulties with her father, and these
are developed through the novel. Zoe’s sympathy with Kuyeya, and her resolve to
let nothing stop her from getting justice make her an engaging heroine. Her
growing romance with her police colleague, Joseph, is gently handled, and the
dignity and strength of his character come across strongly. Other characters,
like Kuyeya herself and her mother, Bella, are vividly described. Plot-wise,
it’s always clear who-dunnit, and the book’s tension is in whether the African
justice system will convict him – corruption is always present, and Zoe is not
sure whether Banda’s defeat will help. The trial scene is tense, and ends with
a neat twist. The book gives a real feel of life in Africa with settings and
characters from across society: the lush Embassy complex contrasts with the
slum town where Kuyeya was found, the hustling, dirty city is set against the
beauty of Victoria Falls. We meet politicians, prostitutes, doctors, country
farmers. Modern politics rubs shoulders with age-old witchcraft beliefs; DNA
evidence is not permitted in court, and AIDs is ever-present.
A
well-plotted and engaging novel which is also a cry of outrage against violence
against women.
------
Reviewer:
Marsali Taylor
Corban Addison is the author of two international bestselling
novels, A Walk Across the Sun and The Garden of Burning Sand,
which address some of today’s most pressing human rights issues. An attorney,
activist, and world traveler, he is a supporter of numerous humanitarian
causes, including the abolition of modern slavery, gender-based violence, and
HIV/AIDS. He lives with his wife and children in Virginia.
Marsali Taylor grew up near
Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently
a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and
two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is
fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive
dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a
keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of
her local drama group. Marsali also does
a regular monthly column for the Mystery People e-zine.
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