Zoo City

Zoo City cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Technical
  • ID: 4632
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781405924061
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2018-11-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Zinzi, burdened by a Sloth and a habit for 419 scams, is a talent for finding lost things. When a little old lady turns up dead and the cops confiscate her last paycheque, she's forced to take on a missing persons case. Hired by reclusive music producer Odi Huron to find a pop star, Zinzi is catapulted deeper into the twisted underbelly of Zoo City, a slum where crime and magic intertwine. /n/n As Zinzi delves into the case, she confronts the dark secrets of her past and the city's criminal underclass. With her animal companion and her wits, she must navigate a world where the line between reality and magic is blurred, uncovering truths that could change her life forever.

Reviews
book reviews forevermore · clsiewert · 2013-12-17
intriguing 3.75

The novel thoughtfully explores the human condition, guilt, and identity, making it an interesting and slightly uncomfortable read. It's creative and thought-provoking, with a unique narrative style.

The reviewer appreciates the novel's deep exploration of the human condition, particularly the themes of guilt and identity. They find the narrative style to be unique and engaging, though slightly uncomfortable at times. The creativity in the storytelling is praised, as it makes the book both interesting and thought-provoking. The reviewer enjoys how the author weaves together complex themes and characters, creating a rich and engaging reading experience. The slightly uncomfortable aspects are seen as a strength, as they add depth and realism to the story.


Quick quotes

    "It thoughtfully explores the human condition, guilt and identity."

    "Mostly, it's just interesting, creative and just a bit uncomfortable."

    "The creativity in the storytelling is praised, as it makes the book both interesting and thought-provoking."

The Guardian · Damien G. Walter · 2011-05-13
excellent 4.00

This novel offers a fresh take on cyberpunk, blending crime and social commentary in a vivid, imaginative setting. It stands out for its unique exploration of guilt and redemption.

The reviewer highlights that this book is a standout in the cyberpunk genre, offering a unique blend of crime fiction and social commentary. The setting is vividly imagined, and the themes of guilt and redemption are explored in a way that feels both original and deeply human. The characters are complex and compelling, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking. The reviewer praises the author's ability to create a world that is both familiar and utterly alien, drawing the reader in and refusing to let go. The novel's exploration of contemporary issues through a speculative lens makes it a powerful and relevant read.


Quick quotes

    "This is the other face of cyberpunk, a face we've seen too little of in the past decade."

    "It is a noir murder mystery with a semi-New Weird slant, but on the other it is a novel about refugees, the music industry, South Africa, guilt, revenge, drugs ..."

    "Recommended as 'very, very good' by William Gibson."

Shaun Duke · Shaun Duke · 2011-02-04
compelling 4.25

This book is a noir murder mystery with a unique slant, blending elements of crime, social issues, and magical realism. It's a compelling read that offers a fresh perspective on familiar themes.

The reviewer describes this book as a noir murder mystery with a unique twist, combining elements of crime, social issues, and magical realism. They find the story to be compelling and engaging, with a fresh perspective on familiar themes. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to blend different genres and themes seamlessly, creating a rich and layered narrative. The characters are well-developed, and the setting is vividly imagined, making the story both immersive and thought-provoking. The reviewer praises the author's skill in weaving together complex themes and creating a compelling narrative that keeps the reader hooked.


Quick quotes

    "It is a noir murder mystery with a semi-New Weird slant, but on the other it is a novel about refugees, the music industry, South Africa, guilt, revenge, drugs ..."

    "The characters are well-developed, and the setting is vividly imagined, making the story both immersive and thought-provoking."

    "The author's ability to blend different genres and themes seamlessly, creating a rich and layered narrative."

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