'Zoo City' by Lauren Beukes is a unique urban fantasy novel set in a near-future Johannesburg where individuals, known as "animalled," are linked to an animal companion due to past criminal acts. The protagonist, Zinzi December, is linked to a sloth and possesses the ability to find lost objects. Reluctantly roped into a search for a missing child pop star, Zinzi uncovers a series of murders and delves into the criminal underworld. The book combines elements of urban fantasy, true crime, and magical realism, offering a fresh and edgy portrayal of a wired, gritty Johannesburg.

The novel explores themes of guilt, identity, and the consequences of past actions through a hard-hitting and humanistic lens. The world-building is vivid and immersive, depicting a corrupt and dingy future South Africa where criminals have acquired animal familiars, reminiscent of Philip Pullman's dæmons. The plot twists and turns, weaving a complex narrative that delves into the criminal underworld and the protagonist's personal struggles, culminating in a fast-paced and shocking conclusion.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Zinzi as a strong, flawed protagonist and a cast of intriguing secondary characters adding depth to the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is vivid and direct, combining first-person narration with external text snippets that further enrich the world-building and character perspectives.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Zinzi December as she navigates a dangerous urban landscape filled with crime, guilt, and her special ability to locate lost items, which ultimately leads her into the heart of a more sinister mystery.

Setting:

The setting is a richly detailed and gritty Johannesburg, providing a backdrop that enhances the narrative's themes and character experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing is mostly fast and engaging, though it can become slightly uneven, especially towards the end.

Shielding my eyes – morning has broken and there's no picking up the pieces – I yank back the sheet and peel out of bed. Benoît doesn't so much as stir, with only his calloused feet sticking out from ...

Notes:

Zoo City is set in an alternate version of Johannesburg where guilt manifests as an animal companion for those who have committed crimes.

The protagonist, Zinzi December, has a sloth as her companion and can find lost things due to her magical ability called 'shavi.'

Beukes uses first person present tense to create urgency and immediacy in the narration.

The narrative is punctuated with faux news articles and reports, enhancing the world-building.

The concept of 'the Undertow' represents a dark force that threatens the Animalled when their animal dies.

Zinzi's character is complex, reflecting issues of guilt, addiction, and social stigma faced by the Animalled.

The story explores deep societal issues such as immigration, substance abuse, and crime in South Africa.

Readers noted that the book addresses themes of prejudice and judgment in a magical realism context.

Zoo City is rich with African cultural references and influences, lending authenticity to its unique setting.

The book received critical acclaim, winning the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 2011.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content warnings for themes of violence, substance abuse, crime, and graphic scenes related to murder. Readers sensitive to these topics should approach with caution.

Has Romance?

There is a medium element of romance primarily illustrated through Zinzi's relationship with her boyfriend Benoit, which adds layers to the narrative.

From The Publisher:

WINNER OF THE 2011 ARTHUR C CLARKE AWARD

Lauren Beukes' tale of a young woman trapped in a brutal city but looking for a way out . . .

'A major, major talent' George R. R. Martin

***

Zinzi has a Sloth on her back, a dirty 419 scam habit and a talent for finding lost things. But when a little old lady turns up dead and the cops confiscate her last paycheque, she's forced to take on her least favourite kind of job - missing persons.

Being hired by reclusive music producer Odi Huron to find a pop star should be her ticket out of Zoo City, the festering slum where the criminal underclass and their animal companions reside.

Instead it catapults Zinzi deeper into the maw of a city twisted by crime and magic, where she'll be forced to confront the dark secrets of former lives - including her own.

Look out for AFTERLAND, the new novel by Lauren Beukes

***

'Beukes is very *very* good. It feels effortless, utterly accomplished' William Gibson

'Beukes brings a secret tenderness and humanity to her off-kilter portrait of the here and now' Guardian

'Exquisitely paced and impeccably controlled. An enormously satisfying novel' New York Times Book Review

Ratings (4)

Loved It (1)
It Was OK (3)

Reader Stats (12):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (7)
Not Interested (1)

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About the Author:

Lauren Beukes is the award-winning and internationally best-selling South African author of The Shining Girls, Zoo City and Broken Monsters, among other works. Her novels have been published in 24 countries and are being adapted for film and TV. She's also a screenwriter, comics writer journalist and award-winning documentary maker. She lives in Cape Town, South Africa with her daughter and two troublesome cats.

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Zoo City

Lauren Beukes