Mariano, who has lived in the city from an early age, is summoned back to his village to attend his grandfather's funeral. But when he arrives, he discovers two things: firstly, that he has been nominated by his grandfather to take over the running of the family affairs, secondly that his grandfather has not died completely, but is in that frontier space between life and death. In traditional belief, he has died 'badly', and something must happen in order for him to be laid to rest.
Mariano starts to receive letters supposedly written by his grandfather, telling him about the family. It is through this strange relationship that he discovers the secret of his own birth, while also cleansing his grandfather's conscience. The novel is a magical window to the culture of Mozambique.
- ISBN10 1846686806
- ISBN13 9781846686801
- Publish Date 2 May 2014 (first published 3 July 2008)
- Publish Status Cancelled
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Serpent's Tail
- Edition Main
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 240
- Language English