SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Book Launch: The Shining Girls

From the author of the acclaimed Zoo City and the winner of 2011’s coveted Arthur C Clarke award, The Shining Girls is a tense and chilling masterpiece of fiction. When violent down-and-out Harper is hounded from Hooverville, Chicago, he finds refuge in a strange shell of a house on the outskirts of town. Driven by visions, Harper finds he can slip through time and space to embark upon a killing spree across the ages – and return from each one to the safety of the house and the year of 1931. Untraceable, it seems no one can stop his brutal, terrifying murders – until, in 1992, wild child Kirby Mazrachi miraculously survives his attacks and sets herself to tracking him. A formidable writing talent at the height of her powers, Lauren explores violence towards women and crimes of depravity with a devastating energy and humanity.

Lauren Beukes breaks all the boundaries with this breath-taking piece of thriller writing.