Zebra Crossing" is about a Zimbabwean albino girl, 17, called Chipo, making her way across the border to a new life in South Africa with her older brother George (hence the title with it's black and white zebra crossing reference).
"In South Africa there are plenty of jobs. We won't have to crawl on our hands and knees to earn a pittance," says George.
But South Africa is not quite the promised land they were hoping for, even with the World Cup seven months away. "Certain nationalities, certain jobs." You need to start from the bottom.
Then the trouble starts. "Just you wait. When the World Cup is finished we will drive all you foreigners out! If you stay, you will burn!"
So there is a deadline, July 11, to make as much money as possible before fleeing.
This is when Doctor Ongani - an enterprising witchdoctor/conman - gets involved. With his "real live albino" he can give you "special extra powerful muti to improve your luck," even when it comes to gambling on the World Cup.
Money is good but the consequences are disastrous leading to the unexpected ending.
Overall a well-written story that really puts you into the lives of immigrants starting from the bottom in South Africa. If you like this book also try "Now is the Time for Running" which is about two Zimbabwean brothers, one disabled, making a similar journey to South Africa with the theme of football also running through it.
Amazon UK link: Zebra Crossing
Publication date: 6 Mar 2014
No comments:
Post a Comment