When The Village Sleeps is a a visionary novel about what the loss of identity and dignity do to a people afflicted by decades of brokenness. Told through the lives and spirits of four generations of amaTolo women, including The Old, who speak wisdom with ever-increasing urgency, it moves between the bustling township setting of Kwanele and the different rhythms of rural village life, while boldly exploring urgent and contemporary issues.

It is both an ode to the complex strengths of South African women, and a powerful call to respect the earth that nurtures human life, and to live in self-sufficiency and harmony with the environment and each other. Pan Macmillan, R290

SINDIWE has received numerous literary awards as well as awards in recognition of her work around women’s issues, the plight of children, and the fight against apartheid and racism. She recently received the Ellen Kuzwayo Award, as well as her third honorary doctorate from the Nelson Mandela University.