WAN

Wan, a novel by Dawn Promislow, is a masterpiece that explores themes of complicity, guilt, privilege, and the value of art and life. Narrated in a distinctive voice, it follows Jacqueline, a privileged artist in 1970s South Africa, as her life unravels after an anti-apartheid activist comes to hide in her garden house.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2022
Publisher: Freehand Books

A Miramichi Reader Best Fiction of 2022


“Wan is a masterpiece. This beautiful, painterly, sublime, and sonically exquisite novel by Dawn Promislow is a work of utter genius.” – Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer, author of All the Broken Things


Narrated in a completely distinctive and mesmerizing voice, Wan is the story of Jacqueline, a privileged artist in 1970s South Africa. After an anti-apartheid activist comes to hide in her garden house, Jacqueline's carefully constructed life begins to unravel. Written in gorgeous and spare prose, this exquisite debut novel grapples with questions of complicity and guilt, of privilege, and of the immeasurable value of art and of life.


Wan is a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the moral dilemmas that arise in challenging times. Through the eyes of Jacqueline, the reader is transported to a world of art, privilege, and political turmoil, where the lines between right and wrong become blurred.


Dawn Promislow's writing is exquisite, with her prose flowing like a river and her imagery vivid and evocative. The characters in Wan are well-developed, with each having their own unique motivations and struggles. Jacqueline, the protagonist, is a complex and relatable character, whose journey through the novel is filled with self-discovery and growth.


One of the most striking aspects of Wan is its exploration of the power of art to transcend political and social boundaries. Jacqueline, as an artist, is able to connect with people from all walks of life, and her art becomes a powerful tool for social change. Through her work, she is able to challenge the oppressive systems of power and bring attention to the injustices of the past.


Another theme that emerges in Wan is the importance of empathy and compassion. Jacqueline is forced to confront her own biases and prejudices when she comes to understand the struggles of the activist hiding in her garden house. Through her interactions with the activist, Jacqueline learns to see the world from a different perspective and to recognize the humanity in all people.


Wan is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the complexities of life in 1970s South Africa. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction and is interested in exploring the themes of privilege, guilt, and the power of art to change the world.


In conclusion, Wan is a masterpiece of literary fiction that offers a captivating and thought-provoking journey through the lives of Jacqueline and the activist hiding in her garden house. Dawn Promislow's writing is exquisite, and her exploration of the themes of complicity, guilt, and the power of art is powerful and relevant to today's world. This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys literary fiction and is interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the moral dilemmas that arise in challenging times.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 140 x 204 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781988298993