SEPTEMBER 2016 - AudioFile
A diverse cast of characters—including expats, locals, men, women, and children—brings listeners a vivid picture of life in modern-day Zimbabwe. Denver Isaac is a masterful narrator. Four couples offer contrasting experiences as they try to find happiness in a politically unstable country. All their personal drama is set against a backdrop of danger. Isaac switches believably between masculine and feminine characters as well as between expat and native voices. His expertise is especially notable in the chapters told from the perspective of Rosie, an African-American girl who has moved to Zimbabwe with her parents. Isaac brings out the humor in Rosie’s internal monologue with a high-pitched girlish voice. Listeners will love this multilayered story told in a strong style. M.R. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"This is a brilliantly unsettling book; its shrewd, measured, darkly atmospheric prose describes the societal, familial, and psychological conditions that make it possible to find burnt corpses in fire-proof houses."
—Helen Oyeyemi
"A terrific novel--absolutely compelling and chilling. A wonderfully astute and forensic blend of fact and fiction, lies and truth."
—William Boyd
"This is a superbly intricate novel but perhaps the best part is George's vivid portrayal of Zimbabwe as a kleptoracy, a failed state ruled by fear."
—Publishers Weekly
"With its title, The Death of Rex Nhongo suggests a nod to classic crime fiction. Yet this is no ordinary mystery...cleverly plotted [and] suspenseful....A deft commentary on the nuances of race and culture in a politically corrupt post-colonial society.... In this painfully resonant story we see the absurd fragility of our own humanity."
—Washington Post
"I was fascinated by this novel.... The narrative's eye flits from one character to another, like a camera zooming in, pausing, then moving on. These portraits are superbly achieved... This author understands people and can effortlessly marshal a large cast through emotional intricacies... A terrific achievement...[by] a gifted storyteller."
—Lee Child, New York Times Book Review
"Through the eyes of these well-rendered personalities, the reader encounters an intimate panorama of life in a dangerous city.... [C.B. George] doe a remarkable job placing a dozen or so interlocking personal stories within a larger context of greed, lust, sacrifice, hypocrisy and horror."
—Wall Street Journal
SEPTEMBER 2016 - AudioFile
A diverse cast of characters—including expats, locals, men, women, and children—brings listeners a vivid picture of life in modern-day Zimbabwe. Denver Isaac is a masterful narrator. Four couples offer contrasting experiences as they try to find happiness in a politically unstable country. All their personal drama is set against a backdrop of danger. Isaac switches believably between masculine and feminine characters as well as between expat and native voices. His expertise is especially notable in the chapters told from the perspective of Rosie, an African-American girl who has moved to Zimbabwe with her parents. Isaac brings out the humor in Rosie’s internal monologue with a high-pitched girlish voice. Listeners will love this multilayered story told in a strong style. M.R. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
