Harare Review of Books

87 pages.

First published Dec 31, 2019 (Agora Publishing)

Fiction.

I didn’t know what to expect. What I got was surreal, and seemingly designed to turn my stomach. Instead of Gregor’s insect, Jawad turns into something described as putrid and monkey-like. He does disgusting things. His room stinks, and he has terrible personal hygiene. He’s a bit Mr Hyde-ish. He can see through walls, and approves of crime, but is super protective of his family. The rest proceeds much like The Metamorphosis x Franz Kafka.

Sometimes you’re glad you read something because
A. It’s a re-interpretation of what’s considered a Western classic, or;
B. It’s from a culture or country you’re not familiar with.

These were both true for me with this book, even if I can’t say I enjoyed it. Too many ugly themes, and I hated all the characters. And even if I didn’t like it, it is very memorable.

Thank you to Edelweiss and to Agora Publishing for the DRC.