This novel has a lot of things to say. But for one on the subject of apartheid, I initially found we were quite far away from that regime, but it makes sense when you remember that you follow an educated white woman (and is that me or are we never said whether the characters are black or white ?)

Cullen is an interesting character, insofar as she feels well realised as an individual human being, but allows the author to delve in profoundly human themes, such as one’s position to the Other, compliance in discriminatory regimes and death and grief. Because reading this is like reading a letter that is not destined to you, I felt a bit detached from her, but contrarily to other novels where that would have been a problem, it feels like a healthy distance here (the same distance that used to put between herself and apartheid ?)

Her gradual bonding with Vercueil was my favourite part of this. As she mentions, it is not easy to get close to him, so their relationship feels earned and earnest.

"Let me tell you, when I walk upon this land, this South Africa, I have a gathering feeling of walking upon black faces. They are dead, but their spirit has not left them."

Great coming-of-age story, with compelling discussion of gender, race and assimilation.

Tambudzai is a good character to follow as she is surrounded by, at least in the beginning, more strong-headed characters, that make her reflect and develop her own opinion. I loved to see her grow and mature, her opinions of the people around her shifting with herself and how she sees the world.

The writing was fluid and down-to-earth, with some impactful moments that take no detour to drive the point home.

"This business of womanhood is a heavy burden. How could it not be ? […] And these days it is worse, with poverty of blackness on one side and the weight of womanhood on the other. Aiwa ! What will help you, my child, is to learn to carry your burdens with strength."

First of all, it feels so refreshing to have some older protagonists and love interests ! The western setting was interesting and well-used.

I really appreciated the diversity in the characters, especially in the neurodiversity, that did not say its name, but the characters were loved and appreciated by their peers.

You can really feel the love of the author for their production and all of the love and work that went into this one.

I would definitely recommend !