Gazebo Books is thrilled to be expanding our catalogue of books by African writers, both of whom are being published in Australia and New Zealand for the first time.

Letter to Petya Dubarova is the debut novel from South African poet and writer Abigail George. Just like the brief life and oeuvre of iconic Bulgarian poet Petya Dubarova, every page of this short novel pulsates with feelings. Weaving a text shaped by the form and imagery of the sea. Petya is a mirage, a beacon, a hand to reach for when the waves of emotion are at their wildest. In places a prose poem, in other places a kaleidoscope of narratives, George deftly shifts viewpoints and personas with every turn of the page.

Seasons in Hippoland is the second novel by Kenyan writer Wanjikũ Wa Ngũgĩ — a captivating and enchanting book that plays with the tradition of magic realism. Ruled by an Emperor for Life, Victoriana is a land of truthful lies, where reality has uncertain meaning and children are conditioned to conform. Mumbi, a rebellious child from the capital of Westville, and her brother are sent to live in rural Hippoland. But what was meant to be a punishment turns out to be a glorious discovery of the magic of the land. 

Available in bookstores across Australia and New Zealand from 1 August or pre-order now via our online store.