A 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.
My Thoughts
Simply Put, a decent read.
Set in Zambia in the early 1990's, we follow Grace Zulu a young, bright attorney who has her first big case, one that is controversial as she is defending Willbess Mulenga, a young man charged with lewd homosexual acts. As the case unravels, we also get an insight of Grace's journey to become a lawyer which was of course not a smooth path.
I always like stories that helps readers understand the main characters by delving into their past for us to understand the present. This author did that expertly in this novel. Although the topic dealt with heavy issues, I would say this was definitely a well written novel.
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