Curandera

Curandera is a novel by Irenosen Okojie that combines elements of magic, mystery, and historical fiction in a story about a mysterious woman's arrival in a Cape Verdean town and the strange events that follow. In present-day London, a quartet of individuals are drawn together by their fascination with ritual and miracles and are involved in a quest to uncover the secrets of Curandera. The novel is praised for its vivid and immersive writing, its exploration of themes of rebirth and redemption, and its bold and innovative approach to storytelling.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2024
Publisher: Dialogue

Curandera, a captivating novel by Irenosen Okojie, weaves a tapestry of vivid, brutal, moving, and tender emotions that deeply resonate with readers. This heartfelt and immersive masterpiece showcases Okojie's extraordinary imagination and masterful writing, leaving readers in awe of its mindboggling glory.

Set in the picturesque mountainous town of Gethsemane in 17th-century Cape Verde, the story unfolds as a mysterious woman's arrival sparks a series of enigmatic events that transform the lives of the town's inhabitants. Men experience intermittent blindness in the afternoons, children vanish and reappear without explanation, and infertile women become pregnant with the memories of past births.

In the present-day city of London, a quartet of individuals is drawn together by their shared fascination with ritual, miracles, and a desire for a life beyond the ordinary. Botanist Therese resides with Azacca, a soulful Haitian musician, Peruvian drifter Emilien, haunted by his past, and adventurous Finn, increasingly drawn to living on the edge. As the past and present intertwine, Curandera unfolds as a tale of rebirth and redemption, a mythic exploration of recalibrations across time.

Praise for Okojie's previous works has been abundant, with critics hailing her as a dazzling and liberatingly odd talent. Diana Evans describes her as one of the finest literary imaginations working today, while Max Porter praises her as a seductively fearless talent. Laline Paull praises her sharp eye and her ability to switch from elegance to brutality in a single line. Stella Duffy praises her for creating a world that is both captivating and unsettling.

Curandera is a testament to Okojie's exceptional storytelling skills and her ability to transport readers to different worlds and eras. With its rich historical backdrop, intricate character development, and thought-provoking themes, this novel offers a captivating and immersive experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Okojie's future works.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 241 x 165 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349700946