For the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting our upcoming releases for the new year. You’ll learn a bit about our 2021 releases, their authors, and information about pre-ordering.
We’ve been proud to be the North American publisher for several acclaimed and award-winning books. Bom Boy (South African Literary Award), Love Interrupted (Aidoo-Synder Book Prize), and Unmaking Grace (University of Johannesburg Prize for South African writing), among others. We’re pleased to add another such title to our catalog in 2021: The Theory of Flight by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu.
Siphiwe is a writer, filmmaker and academic who holds a PhD in Modern Thought and Literature from Stanford University, as well as master’s degrees in African Studies and Film. When The Theory of Flight was released in South Africa, it earned her the the Barry Ronge Prize. We’re thrilled to be bringing it to North American readers.
Set in an unnamed country in southern Africa, The Theory of Flight traces decades of national history— war, colonization, the struggle for freedom — through the lives, loves, and events of several interconnected families. This is a story of love and loss told across generations.
In an interview with the Johannesburg Review of Books, Siphiwe explained a bit about. her writing process, “Once you start writing this whole world starts unfolding, and these people are the ones telling you the story, so you have to listen.” We are so excited for even more people to hear these characters speak.
The Theory of Flight has also earned praise from some amazing authors. Novuyo Tshuma, author of House of Stone, writes “I was unable to put this book down, in awe of Ndlovu and her stunning virtuoso […] Beautiful and utterly sublime. My novel of the year.”; Masande Ntshanga, author of Triangulum calls the novel “Beguiling, brilliant and brave.”; and Tsitsi Dangarembga, author of Nervous Conditions and This Mournable Body praises it as “A dazzling novel of delicate and astonishing magic.”
The Theory of Flight is out on January 12, 2021, and pre-orders are available now.
