The Cartographer of Absences: A Novel

In the fading days of colonial Mozambique, a poignant father-son relationship unfolds against a turbulent backdrop. Diogo Santiago, the father, grapples with the looming changes around him, struggling to carve out a meaningful existence while imparting wisdom to his son, who is on the brink of adolescence. Their bond is tested by the shadows of a society in flux, reflecting the challenges of identity, heritage, and belonging.

As they navigate this complex terrain, the story reveals the delicate balance between personal dreams and collective histories. Moments of tenderness and tension weave through their journey, each steeped in the rich tapestry of Mozambique’s landscape, both physical and emotional. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in a narrative that melds personal loss with a sense of longing for a home that is constantly evolving.

Couto and Brookshaw beautifully craft a tale that is as much about the spaces left behind as it is about the ones yet to be discovered. With evocative language and a keen eye for detail, this novel captures the essence of absence, memory, and the enduring threads that connect generations.