Smell Of Apples, The (Winner Of Betty Trask Award 1995)

Description:
Marnus is terrified he will not fulfil the expectations of his elite Afrikaner family who are certain of their superiority. But when Mr Smith arrives, things start to change, affecting Marnus's values and everything around him that he he holds dear. Mark Behr's debut novel and the recipient of numerous awards including South Africa's biggest literary prize, the M-Net Award, as well as the Eugene Maris Prize and the CAN Literary Award. In the UK the book was shortlisted for the Steinbeck Award and the Guardian Fiction Prize, and received the Betty Trask Award. In the USA the novel won the Art Seidenbaum Award from the Los Angeles Times.

Review:
'An enthralling story... Very powerful.' DAILY EXPRESS 'Masterly... A disturbing story which subtly lays bare the twisted logic of apartheid.' THE TIMES 'Effective and Moving' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY, Compelling... the disturbing and powerful story of a child's introduction to hypocrisy and disillusion.' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'There is modest genuis to Mark Behr's debut novel.' MAIL AND GUARDIAN (South Africa) 'An eerie and haunting work... a fascinating study in indoctrination...' THE MERCURY (South Africa) 'Rich in metaphors that have been meticulousl developed. It continues to haunt long after it has been put down.' CAPE TIMES 'Mesmerising... The Smell of Apples is an astounding first novel.' SUNDAY TIMES (South Africa)

Prizes:
Winner of Betty Trask Awards 1995.
Shortlisted for Betty Trask Award 1995.

Author Biography:
Mark Behr was born in Tanzania and grew up in South Africa. His multi-award winning debut novel was lauded by critics worldwide, translated into numerous languages and recognised as a South African classic.