Just Arrived…

These are some of the books our books editor received recently. They may be reviewed later

The Release

by Eric Miyeni (Random House Struik, R180)

Eric Miyeni is well known for his non-fiction works. This is his fiction debut.

“The Release” is an exploration of the psychological minefield in which middle-aged black men often live.

It tells the story of that fateful day in the life of Jeremy Hlungwani – when he inexplicably carries out an act of violence.

Through a series of flashbacks, the author reveals Jeremy’s life story and creates a picture of his alienation in society which eventually leads to him owning a gun.

“The Release” is a story of human breakdown and reminds the reader that the legacy of the past runs deeper than the materialistic present we live in.

It’s a book we should all read.

***

HHhH

by Laurent Binet (Random House Struik, R215)

No that’s not me having finger trouble on my computer – that is the title of this book.

Set in Prague 1942, two men have been enlisted to kill the head of the Gestapo.

His boss is Heinrich Himmler.

Everyone in the SS says “Himmler’s brain is called Heydrich”, which in German spells HHhH.

This book tells the story of the Third Reich through the account of one man’s brutal life.

It is a story of heroism and loyalty, revenge and betrayal.

***

Another Time, Another Life

by Leif GW Persson (Random House Struik, R215)

Stockholm 1975: six people take the staff of the West German embassy hostage, demanding the release of Baader-Meinhof members who are being held prisoner in West Germany.

The siege ends with two hostages being killed and several wounded.

Fourteen years later when a Swedish civil servant is murdered, the investigation is hastily shelved by a corrupt senior investigator.

Another 10 years on and Lars Johansson, who has just joined the Swedish Security Police, decides to tie up the loose ends.

The two events are linked by the fact that the civil servant who was killed is one of the people who allegedly collaborated on the hostage drama of 1975.

As the detectives follow the leads it takes them right up the Swedish political ladder.

***

Peaches for Monsieur Le Curé

by Joanne Harris (Random House Struik, R235)

Joanne Harris has written many masterpieces, most notably her remarkable best-seller, “Chocolat”.

Finally she has produced another novel – a return to the small town of Lasquenet in rural France, the setting for “Chocolat”.

When Vianne Rocher receives a letter from beyond the grave, she has no choice but to return to the village where she opened up a chocolate shop eight years ago.

But Vianne is not prepared for what she finds there – women veiled in black, spices and peppermint tea, and a mosque.

North Africans have brought big changes to the community.

But her biggest surprise is Father Reynaud – her erstwhile adversary – who is now disgraced and under threat.

And it appears she is the only one who can save him. - Meneesha Govender