Heliopolis by James Scudamore

Heliopolis

James Scudamore

A reflective and sharp tale of personal discovery. Ludo Santos lives a seemingly charmed life, but twists, turns and family secrets collide as anger and the powerful force of obsessive love drive this descriptive and fast paced book. With a contrasting backdrop of slick multi-nationalism vs injustice and poverty, Ludo's narrative evokes the sights and smells of a troubled Sao Paulo and the truth is revealed through a cloud of edgy realism.

Extract
My life is a maze with ever-narrowing paths. It's only a matter of time before the walls hem me in so completely that I won't be able to move at all. Ernesto is the client; but of course he is. I should have known that even his self- righteous sanctimony would yield eventually to Ze's irresistable, steamrolling desire to include. This family - it is walled in, blind to the majority. It's how their connections stay strong. The inevitability of it all makes me feel weary. Oscar stands back to watch the embrace between me and my brother-in-law, pleased with himself and the trick he's played.
Parallels
  • The Beach by Alex Garland
  • Asboville by Danny Rhodes