Evening Primrose

Young authors may find it challenging to capture the intersectionality of race, gender, and class, yet Matlwa succeeds admirably with this much-anticipated new novel (after Spilt Milk and Coconut). Winner of the European Union Literary Award and Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa, Matlwa effectively gives voice to young doctor Masechaba, working in postapartheid South Africa, as she writes to God. Her candidness carefully uncovers current issues of racism and colorism as well as systemic xenophobia, mental health issues, and the dangers of suicide. Masechaba, who has hoped to become a doctor since she reached puberty, is torn between her desire to aid others and the inability to care for her patients. At times she is matter-of-fact and other times deeply emotional, expressing frustration with her circumstances. This conflict is exacerbated by her brother's death and her relationship with her overbearing mother and best friend Nyasha.