The Cry of the Go-Away Bird

A fresh and gripping debut about growing up in Zimbabwe during the recent years of violent change.

In her debut novel, Andrea Eames captures brilliantly the atmosphere of corroding trust that pervades the Coopers' farm...Eames is a young writer with talent, whose novel tackles matters of substance

This is a touching and assured debut... Eames is definitely one to watch

Eames is a fluent and engaging writer and this debut novel signals real promise for her future

A frank and unvarnished portrait of life behind the headlines, sharpened by details from the author's own Zimbabwean girlhood

The Cry of the Go-Away Bird clearly draws on her own experience... The atmosphere is reminiscent of Doris Lessing's The Grass is Singing

Reminiscent of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mocking Bird

A shocking backdrop if recent historical events, Andrea Eames has used a fresh, candid voice to create an intimate, sensitive and moving debut novel

In this assured debut novel, Eames draws on her own interrupted childhood...to paint an authentic portrait of a nation on the edge

The Cry of the Go-Away Bird is a promising debut novel, and Eames's own Zimbabwean childhood colours her writing with vivid descriptions of the earth, wildlife and Shona language

Andrea Eames was born in 1985. She was brought up in Zimbabwe, where she attended a Jewish school for six years, a Hindu school for one, a Catholic convent school for two and a half, and then the American International School in Harare for two years. She moved with her family to New Zealand when she was seventeen. Andrea has worked as a bookseller and editor and now lives in Austin, Texas with her husband. The Cry of the Go-Away Bird is her first novel.

Elise loves the farm that is her home. There is always tea in the silver teapot, gin and tonics are served on the veranda and her days are spent listening to stories of spirits and charms told by her nanny, Beauty. As a young white girl growing up in Zimbabwe, her life is idyllic. 
 
However, this dream-world of her childhood cannot last. As Elise gets older, her eyes are opened to the complexities of adult life, both through the arrival of her step-father, and through her growing understanding of the tensions in Zimbabwean society. As the privileged existence of the white farmers begins to crumble into anarchy and farm invasions begin, Elise is forced to confront difficult choices and the ancient unforgiving ghosts of the past.

Andrea Eames

Eames conveys a strong sense of political turmoil enflamed by sinister witch doctors, brutal guerilla factions and superstitious misogyny…compelling.

One of the most beautifully written, sad, magical yet clear-eyed novels I've read by any author for many years

The book blends folklore and superstition perfectly with accessible language, relatable characters, believable dialogue and a fast-paced, well-structured plot...yet another powerful piece of writing.

Atmospheric...Eames is a writer who injects even the grimmest if scenarios with an overarching tenderness

Combining folklore with politics and plenty of heartwrenching moments, Eames offers beautiful and sympathetic descriptions of the world she creates without losing sight of the tragedies in her character's lives

‘Look after your sister, Tinashe.’ 
 
When Hazvinei was born, Tinashe knew at once that there was something different about her. Growing up in a rural Rhodesia still haunted by memories of the recent guerilla wars, Tinashe knows he must take extra care of his sister. But Hazvinei is a wild spirit and soon the village starts to whisper – dark talk of curses and spirits. Tinashe is prepared to follow his sister anywhere – but how far can he go to keep her safe when the forces threatening her are so much darker and more sinister than he suspected?

Andrea Eames

Praise for The White Shadow

Eames conveys a strong sense of political turmoil enflamed by sinister witch doctors, brutal guerilla factions and superstitious misogyny…compelling.

An extraordinarily drawn tale.

Eames is a lovely writer

Eames conveys a strong sense of political turmoil enflamed by sinister witch doctors, brutal guerilla factions and superstitious misogyny…compelling.

An extraordinarily drawn tale.

Eames is a lovely writer

Eames conveys a strong sense of political turmoil enflamed by sinister witch doctors, brutal guerilla factions and superstitious misogyny…compelling.

An extraordinarily drawn tale.

Eames is a lovely writer

Books by Andrea Eames

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