HARAM

271pp., paperback, Kwela Books, Cape Town, 2026

ISBN: 9780795711244

A novel set in a close-knit Muslim community in Cape Town that explores faith, family and forbidden desire.

Muhammed always followed the rules and tried to live up to his devout mother's expectations while feeling trapped - until he met Riyaaz and everything changed. Many years later, on his wedding day, he remembers this time in his adolescence.

"Tender, heartbreaking, and important. It's a courageous story." Alistair Mackay, author of It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way

Zubayr Charles obtained his MA in Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town and currently teaches English at a high school in Cape Town. He is the author of the poetry collection, The Sad Boy's Starter Pack. His plays include Mercy please, don't call me moffie and The Battered Housewives' Club. Haram is his debut novel.