The U.S. debut of award-winning writer Yewande Omotoso, in which an
unexpected friendship blossoms in contemporary Cape Town--and in a
community where loving thy neighbor is easier said than done.
Hortensia James and Marion Agostino are neighbors. One is black, the
other white. Both are successful women with impressive careers. Both
have recently been widowed, and are living with questions,
disappointments, and secrets that have brought them shame. And each has
something that the woman next door deeply desires.
Sworn enemies, the two share a hedge and a deliberate hostility, which
they maintain with a zeal that belies their age. But, one day, an
unexpected event forces Hortensia and Marion together. As the physical
barriers between them collapse, their bickering gradually softens into
conversation and, gradually, the two discover common ground. But are
these sparks of connection enough to ignite a friendship, or is it too
late to expect these women to change?
A finalist for: International DUBLIN Literary Award -
Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Fiction - Barry Ronge Fiction
Prize - Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize - University of Johannesburg
Main Prize for South African Writing
Longlisted for the Bailey's Women's Prize for Fiction - One of
the Best Black Heritage Reads (Essence Magazine) - One of NPR's
Best Books of the Year - One of Publishers Weekly's
Writers to Watch
