Rwandan refugee Risto arrives in South Africa after fleeing the genocide that claimed his family. Haunted by memories yet determined to survive, he navigates Johannesburg’s harsh realities — searching for belonging, dignity, and the fragile laughter that persists even in the shadow of great agony.
Jamala Safari’s debut novel is a raw, compassionate portrait of displacement and resilience, rooted in the streets of Johannesburg and the scars of a continent’s trauma. “Safari captures the refugee experience with honesty and compassion.”
Popular with readers of African diaspora stories and refugee narratives, and recommended alongside Imbolo Mbue (Behold the Dreamers), NoViolet Bulawayo (We Need New Names), and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Americanah).
A paperback (2012) in Very Good condition — minor wear, intact binding, clean pages.
