Wessel Ebersohn

Wessel Ebersohn's a talented South African writer whose themes closely reflect the issues he's lived through, most prominently the racial strife and injustice of his native country. In this case the book's focus is on the political struggle for liberation. The protagonist, Sam Bhengu, is a freedom fighter who is being held captive by the security apparatus for revolutionary activities. From the very first sentence we learn that Sam has been tortured and is gravely injured. "Sam Bhengu knew that he was dying. Ever since the pain had stopped he had known it." These depressing words are followed by an equally sad series of flashbacks and recollections (Sam's memories are all in italics) and the present (in normal script). There are no chapters, so these demarcations are a good place to pause. The book is starkly realistic, and references real people like Nelson Mandela. Sam, even though laid low, and flawed (he's unfaithful to his wife and neglectful of his son) is heroic in his sacrifices and efforts on behalf of his people. Most starkly, this novel presciently focuses on the physical, the stark and absolute control the white captors have over a black body. In this respect, the book hearkens to one of Ta-Nehisi Coates's main observations and critiques of American society. And this unrelenting emphasis on Bhengu's destroyed body, lorded over by a set of disgusting jailers, is what makes this novel timely, even though it depicts a far off country and events from a generation ago. It could have been written today, in America. It could have been called, Black Lives Matter.… (más)

I was lucky enough to receive an advance uncorrected proof of "The October Killings" via the Goodreads First Reads program. The minute I began reading I knew I was in for a treat. Wessel Ebersohn succeeded in pulling me in from the very first line and by the end I simply could not put it down.

From the start, Abigail Bukula and Yudel Gordon make an unlikely pair. As the story progresses, Ebersohn ratchets up the tension as Abigail and Yudel work to uncover who is responsible for a series of murders and how to stop him. The characters were complex and the story satisfying. I can only hope that the wait for next addition to this series won't be too long!

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A while back I picked up [b:The October Killings|9460046|The October Killings|Wessel Ebersohn|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1317064813s/9460046.jpg|14344926] having no idea that it was part of a series (#4 to be exact). It feels good to go back and see where it all began. I came for the mystery and was rewarded with complex characters and a strong sense of place. The social and political climate of South Africa in the seventies is laid bare in the pages of this book. For this, I can forgive the minor flaws in the plot. It was fairly obvious [to me] from the beginning who was responsible for the murder Yudel was sent to investigate. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. As I've already read the fourth book I know it only gets better from here.… (más)