Description

In a South African city grappling with the violent twilight of apartheid, a professional mourner named Toloki finds a unique way to make a living and confront the pervasive presence of death. Set against the backdrop of Nelson Mandela's release and the tumultuous transition to democracy, the novel vividly portrays the struggles of a community caught between political upheaval, racial tensions, and economic hardship. Through a blend of stark realism and touches of magical realism, Zakes Mda explores profound themes of survival, community, and the enduring power of love and healing amidst societal transformation. Mda's lyrical prose, infused with the rhythms of African oral traditions, offers a poignant and unforgettable look at the human spirit's resilience.

Available Editions

paperback edition cover

paperback

Oxford University Press Southern Africa

Published Sep 1, 2004

224 pages

ISBN: 9780195717518

available

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Details

First Published

1995

Language

eng

Content Warnings

Content and trigger warnings for Ways of Dying by Zakes Mda.

Death/Grief
Violence