The Space Between the Space Between

In some ways, it all begins with a very bad day for Jethro. First, he's attacked by an angry man who takes his good intentions the wrong way, then he's robbed in the middle of the night by two men who try to iron out of him - literally - where he keeps his valuables. The problem is that Jethro's valuables consist of a box of photos and other keepsakes - which only aggravates his assailants. Traumatised, he seeks counselling. With Dr Chatwin Jethro traces his bond with his best friend, Sam, the loss of his girlfriend, his encounters with the enigmatic artist Matsotso Cecilia Dumisa, and why he carries a hat, a shoe and a painting around with him everywhere. Set in the turbulence of South Africa right now, The space between the space between tells the story of a young man trying to stay afloat as he's assaulted by life's cross-currents. The novel honestly and humanely portrays South Africa today without reverting to moral or political grandstanding. As Jethro ricochets through life, a story of loss, the gaining of wisdom and a little healing emerges.