Heliopolis, By James Scudamore
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.James Scudamore's prizewinning debut The Amenesia Clinic was set in Ecuador, and it's to South America he returns in this slinkily assured second novel sending up Brazil's super-rich. As a child, Ludwig Aparecido dos Santos is plucked from the São Paolo favelas by the supermarket millionaire, Ze Generoso, and dropped into a world of penthouse suites.
Now in his twenties and working for a communications company, he finds himself both ravished and revolted by his lifestyle. Involved in a semi-incestuous affair with his adoptive sister, Melissa, he has moments when he's tempted to sabotage his own good fortune.
In a novel that successfully straddles urban extremes, a streamlined fantasy summons up a teeming citadel where the wealthy take to their helicopters "like fat flies", leaving migrant workers to swarm below.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments