From the Publisher
One dark night in Cape Town, Rosélie''s husband goes out for a pack of cigarettes and never comes back. Not only is she left with unanswered questions about his violent death but she is also left without any means of support. At the urging of her housekeeper and best friend, the new widow decides to take advantage of the strange gifts she has always possessed and embarks on a career as a clairvoyant. As Rosélie builds a new life for herself and seeks the truth about her husband''s murder, acclaimed Caribbean author Maryse Condé crafts a deft exploration of post-apartheid South Africa and a smart, gripping thriller.

The Story of the Cannibal Woman is both contemporary and international, following the lives of an interracial, intercultural couple in New York City, Tokyo, and Capetown. Maryse Condé is known for vibrantly lyrical language and fearless, inventive storytelling -- she uses both to stunning effect in this magnificently original novel.

Roselie's husband goes out late at night to a neighbourhood store and is killed. The police believe that it is not a robbery. Roselie now is left without any means of support and starts off using her talents as a clairvoyant. As Roselie starts to lead life on her own, she decides to follow in her husband's footsteps to try to solve his murder.

Life as a interracial couple is depicted with all the racism that Roselie is exposed to. Roselie also learns that Steven, her husband is not the man she thought he was. There are many people who actively dislike him.

I found this book extremely hard to read and to get into. I believe part of the problem is the translation is poorly done. The other problem is the style of the writing was just not to my taste. It was too lyrical for me.

mailed today

Apologies! Having a sort out and discovered this, unjournalled. I do have it and hope to get around to reading it soon.

I have held onto this book for too long, in the vain belief that there would suddenly be more time available to read. Well, it hasn't happened yet so I must release it for other readers.

Taking to a bookcrossing meet.

In a box of books I was given by candy-is-dandy at the Christmas lunch meeting today.

Taken to the meeting, and left on the bookshelf.

Local BookCrossers meet, from noon on the second Saturday of every month, at Coffee Link, on Neptune Quay. Why not come along and join us? We're easy to spot - we're the people sitting round a table covered in books!