Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
Qolorha-by-Sea • Contemporary
2000
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Heart of Redness by Zakes Mda intertwines history and myth, exploring the lasting impact of the 1856 amaXhosa cattle-killing prophecy through the lives of a South African village's descendants over 150 years. The novel juxtaposes the prophesy-believing family of Twin and the skeptical family of Twin-Twin, culminating in a modern struggle involving Camagu, who returns from exile and becomes torn between traditionalist Qukezwa and modernist Xoliswa Ximiya.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
1,672 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Heart of Redness by Zakes Mda expertly intertwines historical and contemporary narratives, evoking rich cultural detail and deep-rooted social dynamics in post-apartheid South Africa. Praised for its vivid storytelling and multifaceted characters, some critics find its pacing uneven. Overall, it offers a compelling reflection on tradition versus modernity.
Who Should Read The Heart Of Redness?
A reader who enjoys The Heart of Redness by Zakes Mda is likely someone intrigued by postcolonial literature, magical realism, and African history. Fans of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart or Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude will appreciate Mda's rich storytelling and exploration of cultural identity.
1,672 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Novel • Fiction
Qolorha-by-Sea • Contemporary
2000
Adult
18+ years
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