New Times
New Times
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Cape Town, South Africa • 1990s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
New Times by Rehana Rossouw follows Aaliyah "Ali" Adams, a young gay Muslim journalist in Cape Town during the politically charged weeks surrounding South Africa's 1995 Rugby World Cup. Navigating her professional journey amidst personal grief, community conflicts, and national reconciliation, Ali struggles with identity, trauma, and the search for truth in a rapidly changing society. The book contains discussions of death, depression, PTSD, traumatic violence, and serious illness.
Emotional
Challenging
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
41 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
New Times by Rehana Rossouw has been praised for its vivid portrayal of South African life during the early 90s, capturing the complexities of the time. Readers appreciate its strong character development and rich cultural context. However, some critiques mention a slower pace and occasional predictability. Overall, Rossouw's work is deemed insightful and evocative.
Who Should Read New Times?
Readers who enjoyed Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng or Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi will find New Times riveting. Those interested in South African history, social justice, and complex character studies in a post-apartheid setting will be deeply engaged. Perfect for fans of intersectional narratives and cultural introspection.
41 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Novel • Fiction
Cape Town, South Africa • 1990s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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