Nadine Gordimer’s interracial love story between a young Arab man and a white South African woman explores themes of race, class, identity and culture.

When Julie Summers’ car breaks down in a sleazy street, a young Arab garage mechanic comes to her rescue. Out of this meeting develops a friendship that turns to love. But soon, despite attempts to make the most of Julie’s wealthy connections, Abdu is deported from South Africa. Julie insists on going too - but the couple must marry to make the relationship legitimate in the traditional village which is to be their home. Here, however, an unexpected gulf forms between them.

Longlisted
The Booker Prize 2001
Published by
Bloomsbury
Publication date

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Nadine Gordimer

Nadine Gordimer

About the Author

Nadine Gordimer was born in Springs, South Africa. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1991.
More about Nadine Gordimer

Other nominated books by Nadine Gordimer

Get a Life
The Conservationist
Prize winner