Cruel Crazy Beautiful World

by Troy Blacklaws (Jacana) ISBN 9781431 402502

Troy Blacklaws is a brilliant writer whose understanding of the plight of the people who live and make a living on the periphery of South African society is so true. His prose-like writing is beautiful, evoking a knowledge of the lives of the have-nots. He describes scenes in our everyday life as if they are happening right now.

After a few years of University Jerusalim’s father, the burly fisherman, called Zero, says poetry will not get his son anywhere and throws him into the big wide world of Cape Town. Half Muslim, half Jew, he battles to find his way with other folk who sell ethnic curios to tourists. He takes on a Tanzanian boy to help him. Throughout the novel his heart bleeds for the elusive and lovely Lotte in her soft white dress. One evening at a party she almost gives in to him, only to change her mind.

Another story unfolds where a teacher who has taught for fourteen years at a Zimbabwe school, makes a derogatory remark about Mugabe and loses his job. He heads South, a journey fraught with danger, never mind the farmers hunting the Zimbos at night to keep them out of their country. Across the border he is hounded by Ghost Cowboy, an aggressive albino.

This is brilliantly written book, a contender for literary prizes. There are myriad facets of our lives that pour onto the paper like hard hitting prose. It is a must read.

Graphically written, absolutely riveting and magical. I cannot praise it enough.

Dee Andrew

5/5

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