Lying Perfectly Still
A journey of identity and cultural discovery in Southern Africa
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Fly on the Wall Press
Published:24th Oct '24
Should be back in stock very soon
In Lying Perfectly Still, Koliwe's journey to Eswatini unveils stark cultural contrasts, family secrets, and a search for identity amid personal loss.
In Lying Perfectly Still, Koliwe Oxford faces an emotional upheaval following the unexpected death of her father. Leaving behind her life in Oxford, she embarks on a journey to Eswatini, a region heavily impacted by AIDS. The Southern Africa she discovers starkly contrasts with the vibrant stories her late artist father had shared. As Koliwe immerses herself in her role as an aid worker, she grapples with the complexities of her heritage and the realities of the land she now inhabits.
As Koliwe becomes intertwined with Thandi, a local girl harboring a troubling past, she feels the pull between her English upbringing and her newfound African identity as Xolile. The narrative delves into themes of cultural collision, as Koliwe navigates her dual identity while trying to understand the community around her. When Thandi mysteriously disappears, Koliwe's quest for answers propels her deep into the mountains, revealing the stark divides of wealth and poverty that exist within the region.
Lying Perfectly Still is a poignant exploration of family secrets, identity, and the harsh truths of life. It challenges readers to reflect on the intersections of culture and personal history while showcasing the resilience of those living in a world marked by both beauty and struggle.
'Lying Perfectly Still is a powerful and accomplished novel. Laura Fish seamlessly transports us into a richly drawn landscape and immerses us in the complex and layered life of her protagonist Koliwe as she confronts an ugly underbelly of international aid work in the 1990s. Fish is a talented and skilful writer who deserves serious attention and a wide readership.' - Sharon Duggal
'So many jewels in this book, miniature specifics, I felt like I was holding a finely beaded garment in my hands. Every page rings with authenticity.' - Monique Roffey, Costa Award Winner
'This is a beautiful and sustained exploration of a world where beliefs contradict each other. It will break your heart.' - Bookphace
'Commanding, lyrical, and authentically-voice, Laura Fish's third novel Lying Perfectly Still also gives voice to a voiceles Eswatini through a page-turning story. It evokes the pain of falling between two cultures in a poignant style and is an exquisitely written feat of fiction.' - Joanna Owen, Love Reading
'Koliwe's story will leave you with many questions about the history of colonialism and international aid, grief, and guilt.' - The Crack Magazine
'The descriptions in this book were mesmerising. Laura Fish has such a skill at crafting descriptions that I found myself enveloped by each sentence.' - Charles Heathcote
'the writing was rich in imagery and unflinching yet sympathetic in describing the trauma faced by local people. I enjoyed every minute.' - @canreadwillread
'The best books draw you into worlds you didn't know existed and then change your worldview. Laura Fiah's evocative and immersive third novel does exactly this. Fish draws you into a world riven with visceral pain and despair, beautifully skewered by her poetic use of language. It is a haunting and elegiac epitaph to an extremely talented writer.' - Fiona McAuslan, Northern Soul
- Winner of S I Leeds Reader’s Choice 2022 (UK)
- Runner-up for S I Leeds Literary Prize 2022 (UK)
ISBN: 9781915789228
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 205g
204 pages