Crossways A Novel
“Crossways” by Sheila Kohler, published by Other Press in 2005, is a novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics against the backdrop of a wealthy Johannesburg suburb in the late 1960s. The story follows Kate, who returns home for her sister Marion’s funeral after a tragic car accident. As Kate navigates her memories of Marion and her relationship with Louis, Marion’s husband, she begins to uncover unsettling truths about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Readers will find a rich exploration of themes such as love, grief, and the intricate ties of family life. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, including that of Louis, a heart surgeon grappling with his past, and John, the Zulu man who raised the sisters and holds the family’s secrets. This psychological thriller weaves suspense and emotional depth, leading to a conclusion that challenges Kate’s understanding of her sister and her own family. With 241 pages, this edition offers a thought-provoking journey into the complexities of marriage, divorce, and sibling relationships.
Official synopsis Publisher
Set in a wealthy Johannesburg suburb in the late 1960s, “Crossways” is a family drama of love and grief. The heroine, Kate, returns from Paris to the family home (“Crossways”) for the funeral of her sister Marion. Marion was killed in a car accident that left her husband, Louis, the driver, in intensive care. Amid sometimes loving, sometimes troubling reminiscences of her beloved sister, Kate begins to reflect upon the circumstances of Marion’s fatal accident. From his hospital bed, Louis, who overcame a neglectful and impoverished childhood to become a prominent heart surgeon, recalls his early fascination with the glamorous, inseparable sisters. A third perspective is that of John, the Zulu man who essentially raised the sisters, manages Crossways, and keeps all its secrets. The more Kate learns about Louis, the more suspicious she becomes, until finally, her worst fears are confirmed and the novel moves to its shocking but inevitable conclusion.
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