Transparent City

In Transparent City, Ondjaki offers a captivating portrayal of urban Africa, blending magical realism, political satire, comedy, and literary experimentation. The novel is nominated for the 2019 Best Translated Book Award and has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the lives of the underclass in Luanda.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Europa Editions (UK) Ltd

In a dilapidated apartment complex in the bustling city of Luanda, families struggle, revel, plot, and eke out a living. Amidst this bustling backdrop, the melancholic Odonato, haunted by memories of his youthful homeland and relentlessly searching for his missing son, finds himself at a crossroads. As his hopes dwindle and the cityscape outside his doors undergoes a drastic transformation, Odonato's physical form begins to dissolve, leaving him weightless and translucent.

Concurrently, a tapestry of diverse narratives unfolds, encompassing a spectrum of emotions, from tragic to comedic, surreal to mundane. These stories intertwine, culminating in a vivid portrayal of a near-future Luanda. Transparent City, a captivating blend of magical realism, biting political satire, tender humor, and literary experimentation, presents a captivating and uplifting portrait of urban Africa that defies convention.

Nominated for the 2019 Best Translated Book Award, this remarkable work has garnered critical acclaim from esteemed publications such as Vanity Fair, The Hot Type, Vulture, Lit Hub, World Literature Today, and The New York Times Book Review. It has also been recognized as a Favorite Book of the Year by The Washington Post and a Notable Translation of 2018 by The Guardian.

Through the poignant portrayal of Odonato and the diverse narratives that surround him, Transparent City offers a profound exploration of human resilience, the complexities of urban life, and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world. Ondjaki, the talented translator behind this remarkable translation, has brought forth a work that resonates with readers worldwide, showcasing the power of literature to transcend boundaries and connect hearts.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 135 x 209 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787703209