BITTER FRUIT

340pp., paperback, Reprint, Johannesburg, (2001) 2017

Includes a new introduction by Mandla Langa.

A reprint of Achmat Dangor's novel about an anti-apartheid activist's chance encounter with the policeman who, twenty years previously, had assaulted his wife in revenge for his membership of the African National Congress. This novel was shortlisted for the 2004 Man Booker Prize.

"This South African novel tells a powerful story of how the toxins of apartheid seep into the life of one small 'Coloured' family...a haunting story of a family disintegrating, wonderfully authentic on its context, gender and generation, its progress like slow dancing." Barbara Trapido, Independent

"'Bitter Fruit' is a subtly layered tale of truth, reconciliation and redemption...Following in the great tradition of Richard Rive and Alex la Guma, he is a writer who gives texture and grace to the present lives and historical legacy of South Africa's 500-year-old multi-ethnic society." Rachel Holmes, Literary Review

"In a series of fine characterisations, the dissonance and unease of South Africa are counterpointed with the inner lives of Silas, Lydia and Mikey. It is a textured piece of writing, redolent with the smells and sounds of close-packed living, and the hint that the violence and fanaticism are not likely to end provides a chilling coda." Elizabeth Buchan, Daily Mail

Achmat Dangor lives in Johannesburg. He is also the author of the novels "Kafka's Curse", ""Waiting for Leila" and "The Z Town Trilogy", as well as a short-story collection, "Strange Pilgrimages".