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Confession of the Lioness

A haunting tale of loss and survival in East Africa

Mia Couto author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:12th Jul '18

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Confession of the Lioness cover

A gripping tale of loss and survival, Confession of the Lioness delves into the complexities of human and animal instincts in a troubled village.

In Confession of the Lioness, the haunting tale begins with Mariamar Mpepe, whose life is shattered when her sister falls victim to the lions that have been terrorizing their village. Imprisoned by her father, Mariamar finds solace only in the ghost of her sister, as she dreams of escape and the return of the hunter who once left her behind. The narrative weaves together themes of loss, longing, and the struggle for freedom, set against the backdrop of a village plagued by fear and superstition.

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Archangel Bullseye, a skilled marksman who is called back to Kulumani to confront the growing threat posed by the lions. However, as he navigates the wilderness, he begins to suspect that the true danger lies not in the beasts outside, but within the very fabric of the village itself. The tension escalates as the characters grapple with their pasts and the harsh realities of their environment.

Confession of the Lioness explores the intersection of human savagery and the primal instincts of nature. It paints a vivid picture of a community on the brink, where tradition clashes with survival, and where the lines between hunter and hunted become increasingly blurred. Through rich storytelling and complex characters, the book invites readers to reflect on the nature of fear, courage, and the haunting legacies of violence.

Somber and masterfully wrought... Sings with the musical nuance of a poem * LA Times *
Written in prose both aphoristic and lush, which suggests rural speech yet creates a far richer texture, Confession of the Lioness opens as an exploration of a crisis that has multiple roots yet reaches a denouement that blames Kulumani’s problems on a single malaise -- Stephen Henighan * The Times Literary Supplement *
A passionate denunciation of patriarchy and violence against women in an east African village... A radical call for change framed in a semitraditional form; a book of profound disenchantment written in language that seeks to re-enchant the world -- Hedley Twidle * Financial Times *
Replete with some of the most stunning metaphors I've ever encountered... Confessions of the Lioness left me shaken, but also utterly entranced * Buzzfeed *
This remarkable novel impresses on many levels... A beautifully crafted tale about sound and fury, the living and the dead * Economist *

  • Short-listed for International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2017 (UK)

ISBN: 9781787301313

Dimensions: 216mm x 135mm x 15mm

Weight: 225g

208 pages