Well, for a novel that has been awarded the 2011 Arthur C Clark Award and was shortlisted for the 2011 World Fantasy Award, I was sadly disappointed.
The premise for this novel is very unique and I was excited to get my hands on a copy. The novel follows protagonist, Zinzi December, ex-journalist, recovering drug addict, murderer and animalled criminal. Permanently accompanied by Sloth, Zinzi uses the 'talent' bestowed on her as one of the animalled to find lost things in order to pay off a drug debt owed from what she calls her "Former Life." After being accused of the murder of one of her clients, Zinzi accepts a job and begins a week long investigation into finding a lost pop starlet, only to get in way over her head.
This novel had real potential. I can understand some of the praise being heaped on Zoo City, but for me it was only a good idea and a well executed novel, but not a great story. I kept feeling that I was just skimming the surface but that I was never able to penetrate into the heart of the novel. It didn't stike a cord. It didn't leave me thinking. I was left at the end wanting more. Maybe I will venture a try at her first novel, Moxyland. Here's hoping it's more enjoyable.