Azanian Bridges

“I read Bridges with much pleasure… Chilling and fascinating.” – Ursula K. Le Guin Shortlisted for the John W Campbell Award Shortlisted for the Sidewise Award for Best Alternate History Shortlisted the British Science Fiction Association Award for best novel Shortlisted for the NOMMO Award for best African speculative fiction Nick Wood’s Azanian Bridges is a socially acute fast-paced thriller that propels the reader into a world of intrigue and threat, leading to possibilities that examine the conscience of a nation. The novel featured in the Guardian’s picks of the best SF of 2016. In a modern day South Africa where Apartheid still holds sway, Sibusiso Mchunu, a young amaZulu man, finds himself the unwitting focus of momentous events when he falls foul of the system and comes into possession of a secret that may just offer hope to his entire people. Pursued by the ANC on one side and Special Branch agents on the other, Sibusiso has little choice but to run. “A very good novel indeed; the emotional intelligence is as high as its political insightfulness – the whole is compelling and moving.” – Adam Roberts “A deeply-felt examination of Apartheid and its lingering effects through the lens of speculative fiction... challenging and thought-provoking.” – Lavie Tidhar “This is a gut-puncher of a novel; original, brilliantly written, and a page-turner of note.” – Sarah Lotz “Vivid, pacy, quietly furious, beautifully observed, with an ending that liberates and lacerates in equal measure.” – Stephanie Saulter “Politically acute and powerful... in many ways a ‘text book’ story because it’s so well done.” – Ian Watson