eh - I don't know why but this one bored me pretty quickly. I really liked the writing style but it just didn't keep my attention, felt too detached. overall, it was still a worthwhile read, just not particularly memorable for me unfortunately.

3.5 stars rounded down

This novel was an experience I wasn't expecting to have when I first requested it. I didn't quite know what to make of the first section with the Serbians, but after Theon was introduced I found myself growing increasingly invested, and at the point late in the novel that the perspective shifted temporarily to a different character's, I was fully absorbed.

The synopsis gave me the impression this would be much more grounded realism, but bit by bit a sort of mythical, mystic element began to dominate (though thankfully it never entered into the realm of the magical/supernatural -- it's more that realistic events and places are rendered in a way that transcends the mundane). There are so many deaths in Fathers and Fugitives -- not just of Daniel's father, but of two Serbian scammers, a child, a baby, an Afrikaner drifter, and others -- that the truth of death comes through more clearly than in the kind of typical novel focusing on the mourning of a single person (the kind of novel I thought this would be, a story of a young man coping with the death of his father).

As someone without any connection to South Africa, I could sense some of the underlying political implications, and read some hazy metaphors into the characters and events -- the urbane, snobbish Afrikaner patriarch descending into dementia in an upscale part of Cape Town, the London-based journalist son returning to the failing family farm and the estranged country cousin, the untimely deaths of the Sotho children under the care of unrelated Afrikaners, the sale of the farm to the Sotho labourers who'd once worked there, the final image of the ruined graveyard. But it would be interesting to hear the thoughts of someone with a better understanding of the context.

I didn't particularly respond to Daniel, the protagonist, except insofar as he enabled the other characters to appear, the locations to change, etc. His psychology and perspective were coherent, just not compelling to me, especially in contrast to characters like Theon and Hein. I think his role ended up sitting at a frustrating point between active and passive, present and absent -- his character isn't intentionally withheld from the audience in order to bring the stories of those with whom he's interacting to the fore, but in any scene in which he's not alone, I was more interested in the other characters present.

"Of Fathers and Fugitives" is a captivating tale that transcends borders and generations, weaving a narrative that resonates deeply with the complexities of family bonds and personal redemption. Daniel, a journalist navigating between the bustling streets of London and the vibrant landscapes of Cape Town, finds himself thrust into an unexpected journey following the passing of his father. The inheritance he anticipates comes with a poignant caveat: to claim his rightful share, he must reconcile with his estranged cousin on the family farm in the Free State.

What unfolds is a riveting odyssey that transcends geographical boundaries, as Daniel, his cousin, and a young boy grappling with illness embark on a transformative voyage to Tokyo. Their shared experiences along the way evoke a spectrum of emotions, from hope and resilience to profound introspection.

The prose, crafted with exquisite precision, paints a vivid tableau of human connection and resilience. Each sentence is imbued with a lyrical quality that resonates long after the final page is turned. It's a testament to the author's mastery of storytelling that "Of Fathers and Fugitives" stands as a shining example of literary excellence.

In a landscape where prize-worthy narratives are a rarity, this novel shines brightly, offering readers a poignant and unforgettable journey. With its moving narrative, searing insights, and tender moments, "Of Fathers and Fugitives" is a masterpiece that lingers in the heart and mind, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced reader copy.

At first I thought that the detached narrator would ruin everything. The aloofness can get you only so far. But oh boy was I wrong. But oh boy, was I wrong. If anything, the coldness and lack of affect contributed to the almost surreal atmosphere of the events. A case in point is the first chapter - with gay Serbs, which made me laugh - where I was looking for something to hold on to and orient myself in all the strangeness (of everyday life). The end of the chapter sold the novel to me. In the end, the novel becomes a little softer, but no less powerful. I must read more Naudé.