Proves that the best science fiction can be not only socially relevant and thought-provoking, but entertaining . . . a brilliantly reimagined near-future Africa . . . he interweaves ecological and political intrigue with Senegalese folk myths to tell the ultimately uplifting story of a continent sadly neglected in SF. -- Eric Brown ―
GUARDIANUncannily in tune with the time it was written . . . at once dreamlike and harrowingly believable, this is not a comforting read. It is, however, a gripping and frightening one. ―
SFX magazineA multi-layered narrative that builds momentum and depth and inexorably draws the reader in . . . there is a dignity to this book, a quiet power and charm that breathes life into its pages . . . this is a book of prophetic realism, determined optimism and magical storytelling that sets it apart. ―
SFCROWSNESTTimely and intelligent . . . blends magic realism and action to poetic and thrilling ends . . . it's packed full of fun, danger, stolen moments and hypocrisy - much like the modern world. ―
SCiFiNOWAs speculative fiction it is completely on the money . . . an important commentary on present-day headlines and a prescient warning of what we can expect if our ways do not change . . . highly readable . . . Chait is a very good writer, juggling several emotionally powerful concepts with the timeless magic of aural storytelling. ―
STARBURST magazine
--This text refers to the
paperback edition.
We tell stories to hold on to what has been loved and lost.To sustain our memories. To create new myths . . .An aid-worker is betrayed while helping thousands escape a massacre. A secretive businessman wages clandestine war against a ruthless energy cartel.
An air convoy – its illicit cargo destined for hostile militants – vanishes over the Sahara.
Meanwhile, as millions fleeing famine, genocide and environmental collapse seek refuge across the Mediterranean, their
genii begin to intrude into reality.
And deep within the desert something precious and terrible has been lost – something which could overwhelm them all . . .
Thrilling and unnervingly prescient, this daring novel of where our future may take us fulfils all the promise
of Gavin Chait’s acclaimed debut,
Lament for the Fallen.
--This text refers to an alternate
kindle_edition edition.
Book Description
Resonating with today's headlines, the author of the acclaimed
Lament for the Fallen looks to a future at once tainted with despair but buoyed up by hope in his second, extraordinary novel - a must-read for fans of Lauren Beukes and Nnedi Okorafor as much as David Mitchell, Michel Faber and Emily St John Mandel.
--This text refers to the
paperback edition.
About the Author
Born in Cape Town in 1974, Gavin Chait emigrated to the UK nearly ten years ago. He has degrees in Microbiology & Biochemistry, and Electrical Engineering. He is an economic development strategist and data scientist, and has travelled extensively in Africa, Latin America, Europe and Asia and is now based in Oxford. His first novel,
Lament for the Fallen, was critically acclaimed (Eric Brown in the
Guardian called it 'a compulsively readable, life affirming tale').
Our Memory Like Dust is his second.
--This text refers to the
paperback edition.