When the Ground Is Hard

Excellent writing and an evocative setting make this novel a standout. Booklist, starred review

Accidents, lies, thefts . . . secrets . . . dead bodies, and illicit rendezvous make for riveting reading in this taut novel. School Library Journal

When the Ground Is Hard heralds a truly unique literary voice. In prose poetic and fierce, Malla Nunn gives us profound insight into the racial and class pecking order in 1960s Swaziland and the violence that shapes women s and girls lives and their futures. Taut, ambitious a stunning debut. Marina Budhos, author of the award-winning Watched and the forthcoming The Long Ride

The gorgeous imagery sets the scene wonderfully . . . an engrossing narrative that gently but directly explores complex relationships. Kirkus Reviews

Racial prejudice has never been exclusive to the United States, and this title provides American readers with a sensitive exploration of how it affected a very different place. School Library Connection

Absorbing . . . A cautionary tale as well as a coming-of-age one . . . When the Ground Is Hard may be historical fiction, but its themes are as modern as ever. Book & Film Globe

Swaziland-born Nunn writes with keen perception of an intricate caste system and the layers within it . . . Readers will find plenty to discuss here as they explore the parallels in our own culture. BCCB