Zoo City

by Lauren Beukes
Zoo City cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Magical Realism
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4632
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781405924061
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2018-11-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Zinzi, a woman with a Sloth on her back and a talent for finding lost things, is forced to take on a missing persons case when her last paycheck is confiscated. Hired by a reclusive music producer to find a pop star, Zinzi delves into the criminal underbelly of Zoo City, a slum where magic and crime intertwine. As she uncovers the dark secrets of the city and her own past, she must confront the twisted reality of her world. The novel is praised for its effortless storytelling and off-kilter portrayal of the here and now, blending crime, magic, and a deep sense of humanity.

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."

Brittle Paper · 2013-07-08
intriguing 4.25

The novel is noted for its unique blend of magical realism and science fiction, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.

The reviewer appreciates Zoo City for its unique blend of magical realism and science fiction, which sets it apart from classic science fiction. They find the novel's exploration of themes like guilt, identity, and the human condition to be thought-provoking and engaging. The reviewer suggests that the novel's setting and characters make it a standout work, offering a fresh perspective on familiar themes. They highlight the novel's creativity and its ability to make the reader uncomfortable in a good way.

Quick quotes

    Zoo City is not science fiction in the classic sense.

    There are no flying saucers, sexy body suits, slimy aliens, or sterilized outer space stations.

    It thoughtfully explores the human condition, guilt and identity.

Pechorin's Journal · 2013-03-18
fantastic 4.75

The novel is described as one of the reviewer's favorite books of recent years, highly recommended for its excellence.

The reviewer expresses their admiration for Zoo City, calling it one of their favorite books of recent years. They find the novel to be excellent in its exploration of complex themes and its unique setting. The reviewer highly recommends it, suggesting that it is a must-read for anyone interested in thought-provoking and creative literature. They appreciate the novel's depth and its ability to make the reader uncomfortable in a good way.

Quick quotes

    An excellent review of Lauren Beukes' excellent novel Zoo City.

    One of my favourite books of recent years.

    Highly recommended.

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."

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