Nominated for the CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2019. A novel set in Zimbabwe about hope - and its power to heal a family, a friendship or even a nation.

For fifteen-year-old Shamiso, struggling with grief and bewilderment following her father's death, hope is nothing but a leap into darkness.

For Tanyaradzwa, whose life has been turned upside down by a cancer diagnosis, hope is the only reason to keep fighting.

As the two of them form an unlikely friendship, Shamiso begins to confront her terrible fear of loss. In getting close to another person, particularly someone who's ill, isn't she just opening herself up to more pain? And underpinning it all - what did happen to her father, the night of that strange and implausible car crash?

Rutendo Tavengerwei's extraordinary debut takes an honest look at hope, and the grit and courage it can take to hang on to it.

Nominated for the CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2019. A novel set in Zimbabwe about hope - and its power to heal a family, a friendship or even a nation.

About the Author

Rutendo Nomsa Tavengerwei lived and studied in Zimbabwe until the age of eighteen, when she moved to South Africa to study Law at the University of the Witwatersrand. She has just completed a Masters at the World Trade Institute, and is now working at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

Rutendo has always loved to write and received tutorials from her father from the age of nine. HOPE IS OUR ONLY WING is her debut novel.

Rutendo says, 'When I wrote Hope I wanted to tell a story with a message. A story that doesn't underplay how hard life can be, but also doesn't underestimate how hope can inspire the will to go on. Most of all, I wanted to share a story about my home, Zimbabwe. I hope that as you read it, you'll get angry, you'll laugh, you'll get shocked and perhaps even cry at times. But I hope you remember through all that emotion that hope is our only wing!'

Reviews
A beautiful story of a teenage girl that has to navigate life between Zimbabwe and London. It's set against the political climate of Zimbabwe's transition from Rhodesia, but is ultimately a touching story about friendship and what it means to face your everyday fears. I can't recommend it enough! * The Bookseller *
A powerful novel, one which is full of humanity and gentle wisdom - a paean to friendship and the need to retain a sense of hope, even during the darkest experiences of life. It is an impressive debut * Nudge Books *
Much to admire * Books for Keeps *
The book's themes include grief, loss, cancer, corruption, poverty and political assassinations. But the personal stories of the two main characters are not overshadowed by the political background, and it is the fact that we care about them both that makes this book so readable. A book for thoughtful, older readers. * Reading Zone *
Compassionate, gripping and intelligent, and I loved seeing Zimbabwe through Shamiso's eyes - I wish there were more books around like this. The ending made me cry shamelessly in public. I absolutely loved it. * Emily Barr, author of THE ONE MEMORY OF FLORA BANKS *
A striking novel that explores the necessity of hope at times when good news is in short supply * Inis Reading Guide *



Book Information
ISBN 9781471406867
Author Rutendo Tavengerwei
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Hot Key Books
Publisher Hot Key Books
Weight(grams) 195g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 130mm * 15mm