Agaat by Marlene van Niekerk (English Translation by Michiel Heyns)

Winner of widespread international acclaim, Agaat by Marlene van Niekerk is a monumental work of South African literature, presented here in Michiel Heyns’ award-winning English translation. Originally published in Afrikaans in 2004, this extraordinary novel explores memory, identity, power, race, love and forgiveness against the backdrop of a changing South Africa. Rich in emotional depth and literary craftsmanship, it has earned recognition as one of the country’s greatest contemporary novels.

The story unfolds through the complex relationship between Milla de Wet, a white farmer confined to her deathbed by motor neurone disease, and Agaat, the coloured woman she raised from childhood who now serves as her caregiver. As Milla’s memories surface, decades of intimacy, dependence, resentment and devotion are revealed, painting an unforgettable portrait of South Africa’s social and political transformation. Van Niekerk’s lyrical prose, combined with Michiel Heyns’ sensitive translation, preserves the beauty and complexity that made the original Afrikaans Agaat an international success.

This English edition allows readers worldwide to experience one of South Africa’s literary masterpieces. Essential reading for collectors of South African fiction, literary prize nominees, university students, book clubs and readers interested in post-apartheid literature, Agaat remains as powerful and relevant today as when it first appeared. It is a thought-provoking novel that rewards careful reading and stands among the finest achievements in modern African literature.

Condition – Very Good

Light shelf and handling wear present.