New novel by top political operative reimagines life in an independent Western Cape

Monday 29 April 2024

THE WESTERN CAPE IS NOW AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY: SUCCESSFUL, SAFE, MURDEROUS.

On 16 December 2007, the Western Cape unilaterally declared independence from South Africa. Now, in 2024, the Good Hope Territory is the safest and most prosperous country in the southern hemisphere – at a price.

Life in the Good Hope Territory is picture-perfect. The Mother City is pristine. Everyone has a job. Violent crime is a thing of the past. Tourism is booming.

Under the shiny surface though, dark forces operate.  

Citizens are tracked by drones. Executions for treason are synchronised to the Noon Gun. Trade unions are banned and all labour laws have been repealed. Only those with the right qualifications are permitted to vote in the qualified franchise system.

This is the setting for Nick Clelland’s debut novel Good Hope – a dystopian and pacy thriller that asks discomfiting questions around the precariousness of statehood, the fragility of identity and the conflict between security and freedom. As a former Member of Parliament, former adviser to Premiers Alan Winde and Helen Zille and former business partner of Tony Leon, Clelland offers a unique perspective on these questions.

At a time of intense political contestation, Good Hope paints an arresting portrait of an independent Western Cape. This debut novel by one of South Africa’s most fascinating political minds may or may not have an impact on the election. It will certainly make it more interesting.

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, describes Good Hope as: “A riveting read and a scary glimpse into what happens when liberty is traded for order.

Unputdownable.”

“Good Hope has all the elements of a high concept page-turner: intriguing, fast- paced and extremely well-written. It is thrilling to see it on the Karavan Press list,” says Karina M. Szczurek, Publisher.

Nick Clelland will launch Good Hope this evening in conversation with acclaimed broadcaster and financial analyst Refilwe Moloto. Media are welcome to attend.

Date: Monday 29 April Time: 5:30 for 6pm

Venue: 6 Spin Street, Cape Town City Centre RSVP: 021 462 2425 / [email protected]

To request an interview with the author, contact Brad Brinkley [email protected].

For the cover of the novel, hi res image of the author and other illustrations click here.

For book review requests, contact Karina at Karavan Press – [email protected]

Statement issued by Karavan Press , 29 April 2024