The Lions' Den (Original)
Iris Mwanza
(Author)
21,000+ Reviews
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Description
"An evocative, touching, and--in multiple senses--moving portrait of Zambian life and politics at a moment of great transformation. And in the tradition of Zambian storytelling, it shows us, it teaches us, how ordinary people like Grace, in extraordinary circumstances and under persistent forces of oppression, can neverthless extend and bend the arc of justice." --Namwali Serpell, author of The Furrows: An ElegyA missing boy. A corrupt system. A case that could change everything...
When young queer dancer Wilbess "Bessy" Mulenga is arrested by corrupt police, fresh-from-the-village rookie lawyer Grace Zulu takes up his cause in her first pro bono case. Presented with a freshly beaten client, Grace protests to the police and gets barred from accessing Bessy, who then disappears from the system--and the world--without a trace. As she fights for justice for Bessy, Grace must navigate a dangerous world of corrupt politicians, traditional beliefs, and deep-seated homophobia.
With the help of a former freedom fighter and the head of her law firm, who's rallying for one last fight as AIDS takes its toll on him, Grace brings together a coalition of unions, students, and political opposition to take on the corrupt administration of President Kaunda. But will justice prevail in the face of such overwhelming odds?
The Lions' Den is a gripping and enduring novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With unforgettable characters and a thrilling plot, Iris Mwanza has announced herself as a major new talent in fiction.
Product Details
Price
$24.99
$23.24
Publisher
Graydon House
Publish Date
June 25, 2024
Pages
272
Dimensions
5.54 X 8.52 X 0.84 inches | 0.71 pounds
Language
English
Type
Hardcover
EAN/UPC
9781525819544
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About the Author
Iris Mwanza is a Zambian American writer. As deputy director of the Gender Equality Division of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, she leads strategy and investment for the Women in Leadership portfolio, and she has previously worked as a corporate lawyer in both Zambia and the US. Mwanza holds law degrees from Cornell University and the University of Zambia, and an MA and PhD in international relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. In addition to her work at the foundation, Mwanza serves on the supervisory board of CARE International and on the board of directors of the World Wildlife Fund-US.
Reviews
"An evocative, touching, and--in multiple senses--moving portrait of Zambian life and politics at a moment of great transformation. And in the tradition of Zambian storytelling, it shows us, it teaches us, how ordinary people like Grace, in extraordinary circumstances and under persistent forces of oppression, can neverthless extend and bend the arc of justice." --Namwali Serpell, author of The Furrows: An Elegy "A vibrant and pacey legal thriller with a big-hearted heroine you'll be rooting for from the very first page." --Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Girl on the Train "Iris Mwanza's debut novel, "The Lions' Den," is as zealous, smart and fresh as its main character...an important story told with nuance that makes it excellent for book clubs and sparking thoughtful discussion." --Donna Edwards for The Associated Press "The themes of this compelling story (set in 90s Zambia) --the malign forces of intolerance and ignorance, the blind fear of the other--are still sadly extant in many parts of today's world. The Lions' Den is a brave and neccessary book.
The two protagonists Grace and Bessie are powerfully drawn creations and propel this page turner to its profound conclusion. An impressive debut." --Gabriel Byrne, Actor and Author of Walking with Ghosts "Iris Mwanza's first novel is an evocative journey into the sinister side of Zambia, a country which tries to tell you who to love, a journey into forced marriage and homophobia" --Peter Godwin, author of Mukiwa "A smash of a debut . . . Iris Mwanza has taken it all on, from the original reverberating assault of British colonialism to what happened next, to a sideswipe at contemporary Zambia, and she's done it with literal grace" --Alexandra Fuller, author of Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight "The Lions' Den is a brave and scathing probe of Zambia's justice system. The language is precise, the plot, tantalisingly tense, and the protagonist is more courageous than the spare prose suggests. Grace is complex and compelling, naïve but with her heart in the right place--the perfect advocate for all the Bessys of Zambia that go undefended. What lingers with me most, though, is the author's talent for blending nostalgia with the truth. Iris conveys hope even in the face of devastation and does the necessary work of shedding light on what continues to be an invisible part of the human rights advocacy movement in Zambia." --Mubanga Kalimamukwento, award-winning author of Obligations to the Wounded and The Mourning Bird "Searingly well-crafted... Humbling, illuminating and enrapturing!" --Rick Cosnett "A cracking thriller that looks back into history to record Kenneth Kaunda's Zambia of the 1990s. Taking on the despair of freedom fighters, the new elite, corruption and prejudice of all forms, Mwanza jolts and dazzles. Most of all, in The Lion's Den Iris Mwanza joins a burgeoning cohort of writers shaping the African thriller." --Jennifer Makumbi "Iris Mwanza has burst into the literary world with a sharp, provocative debut that examines what it means to live and love in a country battling the dual restraints of religion and colonialism. Grace is an exceptional protagonist whose diligence and defiance will keep your fists clenched and have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Absolutely one to watch." --Onyi Nwabineli, author of Allow Me To Introduce Myself "THE LIONS' DEN is masterful debut from Iris Mwanza. This story doesn't just explore the intersectional struggle between Zambia's history and queer youth, but the desire to intersect our humanity with our perpetual need for justice. I didn't want to put it down!" --Catherine Adel West, author of The Two Lives of Sara "[A] refreshing, spirited debut depicting some complex social realities of 1990s Zambia...This novel would appeal to anyone interested in modern African history, the collision of religion and tradition, progressive movements, and the entanglement of power and corruption." --Joelle Egan, Booklist "The Lions' Den is more than a novel. It's a relentless journey through a world of a young woman who would set the world to right, a new country finding itself, and what it means to confront our personal and cultural blind spots. Iris Mwanza is a debut novelist with well-seasoned talent that makes our journey with her book a true privilege. More! More! More!"
--Uzodinma Iweala, author of Beasts of No Nation and CEO of The Africa Center "A cracking thriller that looks back into history to record Kenneth Kaunda's Zambia of the 1990s. Taking on the despair of freedom fighters, the new elite, corruption and prejudice of all forms, Mwanza jolts and dazzles. Most of all, in The Lions' Den Iris Mwanza joins a burgeoning cohort of writers shaping the African thriller."
--Jennifer Makumbi, author of The Kintu Saga and The First Woman
"A brave tale, written with compassion and a keen eye for detail . . . Memorable, insightful and compelling." --Femi Kayode, author of Gaslight and Lightseekers "A highly impressive debut, infused with Zambian history and culture that still echo today. More from Mwanza, please!" --Hawa Jande Golakai, author of The Lazarus Effect and The Score
The two protagonists Grace and Bessie are powerfully drawn creations and propel this page turner to its profound conclusion. An impressive debut." --Gabriel Byrne, Actor and Author of Walking with Ghosts "Iris Mwanza's first novel is an evocative journey into the sinister side of Zambia, a country which tries to tell you who to love, a journey into forced marriage and homophobia" --Peter Godwin, author of Mukiwa "A smash of a debut . . . Iris Mwanza has taken it all on, from the original reverberating assault of British colonialism to what happened next, to a sideswipe at contemporary Zambia, and she's done it with literal grace" --Alexandra Fuller, author of Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight "The Lions' Den is a brave and scathing probe of Zambia's justice system. The language is precise, the plot, tantalisingly tense, and the protagonist is more courageous than the spare prose suggests. Grace is complex and compelling, naïve but with her heart in the right place--the perfect advocate for all the Bessys of Zambia that go undefended. What lingers with me most, though, is the author's talent for blending nostalgia with the truth. Iris conveys hope even in the face of devastation and does the necessary work of shedding light on what continues to be an invisible part of the human rights advocacy movement in Zambia." --Mubanga Kalimamukwento, award-winning author of Obligations to the Wounded and The Mourning Bird "Searingly well-crafted... Humbling, illuminating and enrapturing!" --Rick Cosnett "A cracking thriller that looks back into history to record Kenneth Kaunda's Zambia of the 1990s. Taking on the despair of freedom fighters, the new elite, corruption and prejudice of all forms, Mwanza jolts and dazzles. Most of all, in The Lion's Den Iris Mwanza joins a burgeoning cohort of writers shaping the African thriller." --Jennifer Makumbi "Iris Mwanza has burst into the literary world with a sharp, provocative debut that examines what it means to live and love in a country battling the dual restraints of religion and colonialism. Grace is an exceptional protagonist whose diligence and defiance will keep your fists clenched and have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Absolutely one to watch." --Onyi Nwabineli, author of Allow Me To Introduce Myself "THE LIONS' DEN is masterful debut from Iris Mwanza. This story doesn't just explore the intersectional struggle between Zambia's history and queer youth, but the desire to intersect our humanity with our perpetual need for justice. I didn't want to put it down!" --Catherine Adel West, author of The Two Lives of Sara "[A] refreshing, spirited debut depicting some complex social realities of 1990s Zambia...This novel would appeal to anyone interested in modern African history, the collision of religion and tradition, progressive movements, and the entanglement of power and corruption." --Joelle Egan, Booklist "The Lions' Den is more than a novel. It's a relentless journey through a world of a young woman who would set the world to right, a new country finding itself, and what it means to confront our personal and cultural blind spots. Iris Mwanza is a debut novelist with well-seasoned talent that makes our journey with her book a true privilege. More! More! More!"
--Uzodinma Iweala, author of Beasts of No Nation and CEO of The Africa Center "A cracking thriller that looks back into history to record Kenneth Kaunda's Zambia of the 1990s. Taking on the despair of freedom fighters, the new elite, corruption and prejudice of all forms, Mwanza jolts and dazzles. Most of all, in The Lions' Den Iris Mwanza joins a burgeoning cohort of writers shaping the African thriller."
--Jennifer Makumbi, author of The Kintu Saga and The First Woman
"A brave tale, written with compassion and a keen eye for detail . . . Memorable, insightful and compelling." --Femi Kayode, author of Gaslight and Lightseekers "A highly impressive debut, infused with Zambian history and culture that still echo today. More from Mwanza, please!" --Hawa Jande Golakai, author of The Lazarus Effect and The Score
