A devastating novel of love and desire and one man's search for his soul in a world of violence and political intrigue, which was shortlisted for the Whitbread Novel Award 1998

Gillespie, an Irishman, goes to the Congo in 1959 in pursuit of his beautiful lover Inès, a passionate Italian journalist. Unlike her, Gillespie has no interest in the deepening independence crisis, nor in the charismatic leader, Patrice Lumumba. He has other business: this is his last chance to make love work for him.

"A mighty achievement... vision, imagination and gravitas" - Times

"A writer to watch, a genuine and gifted novelist" - Cole Moreton, Independent

"As lush and sensual as ripe mangoes" - Financial Times

"I have not read such a good thriller in years" - Ian Thomson, Evening Standard

"Compelling... the power of this fine novel lies in its detached subtlety.... a memorable book with a ring of deeply felt authenticity" - Hugo Hamilton, Sunday Tribune