His prose is beautiful, evoking a knowledge of the lives of the have-nots.

He describes scenes in our everyday life as if they are happening right now. After a few years of university, Jerusalim’s father, a fisherman called Zero, says poetry will not get his son anywhere and throws him out.

Half Muslim, half Jew, Jerusalim battles to find his way with other folk who sell ethnic curios to tourists. His heart bleeds for the elusive and lovely Lotte.

Another story unfolds in which a teacher who has taught for 14 years at a Zimbabwean school, makes a derogatory remark about Mugabe and loses his job.

He heads south, a journey fraught with danger.

This is brilliantly written book, a contender for literary prizes.

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