Diplomatic Ties

Mbali Langa is a familiar South African character: coming from the townships and on her way onwards and upwards. She is smart, resourceful, dedicated and hard-working – she knows what she wants and how to get there. Or does she? Surrounded by a loving but difficult family, Mbali makes a series of choices that slowly but surely hem her into a path she hasn’t chosen for herself. Boshego’s novel also introduces us to the business (legal and otherwise) of day-to-day international diplomacy from a South African perspective. Were the supporting characters based on real examples? I have my suspicions, but the most interesting perspective is that of the main character herself. She takes you with her as she grows up, has her eyes opened to the world and the characters and choices (both good and bad) that fill it. I could have done with more intrigue (who doesn’t love Slow Horses?) but watching Mbali realise who she is and start to blend her background with her future self was an enjoyable journey.