SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2020 BOOKER PRIZE'A classic.' Guardian'A masterpiece.' New York Times'Reminiscent of Jean Rhys at her best.' Spectator'Hypnotic.' Daily Telegraph'Searing and enlightening.' Sefi Atta'A maverick voice.' A Igoni Barrett'A must read.' Helon Habila'As natural as the grass grows.' Chinua AchebeHere we meet Tambudzai, living in a run-down youth hostel in downtown Harare and anxious about her prospects after leaving a stagnant job. At every turn in her attempt to make a life for herself, she is faced with a fresh humiliation, until the painful contrast between the future she imagined and her daily reality ultimately drives her to a breaking point. In this tense and psychologically charged novel, Tsitsi Dangarembga channels the hope and potential of one young girl and a fledgling nation to lead us on a journey to discover where lives go after hope has departed.