Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, Philida tells the story of a young slave woman in the Cape Colony in 1832, just before emancipation. Philida, owned by Cornelis Brink, dares to lodge a formal complaint against him for breaking his promise of freedom. Through her voice, André Brink explores themes of oppression, resilience, and the fight for dignity — blending historical fact with imaginative storytelling to shed light on South Africa’s colonial past and the human cost of slavery.
Perfect for readers of historical fiction, South African literature, and stories of emancipation and resilience. Fans of Lawrence Hill’s The Book of Negroes, Coetzee’s Disgrace, and Brink’s own Imaginings of Sand will find this deeply moving.
Rated ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ on Goodreads (~3.8/5) — “Powerful, heartbreaking, and beautifully written.” / “Brink gives voice to the silenced.”
A paperback in Good condition — moderate wear, all pages present and intact.
