Fiona Sussman weaves her experiences as a former medical practitioner into narratives that offer profound insights into the human condition. Her writing delves into the complexities of relationships and the intricate psychological landscapes of her characters. Sussman skillfully crafts stories that build suspense and feature unexpected turns, drawing readers deeply into their worlds. Her prose is marked by a keen sensitivity and empathy, making her a compelling author whose work resonates widely.
Nothing in Stan Andino's unremarkable life could prepare him for the day he discovers his wife naked, except for a black apron, bleaching out a stain from the carpet that only she can see. A CT scan one week later explains the seemingly inexplicable; Carmen Andino has a brain tumour. As Stan and their teenage sons grapple with the diagnosis and frightening personality changes in their wife and mother, Austin Lamb, a close friend and local doctor, does everything possible to assist the family in crisis. Months later, Austin's wife's body is discovered at the bottom of Browns Bay cliffs by Eliot Bard. But who is lying, and who is telling the truth?
Celia Mphephu works as a maid for the Steiners in a white man's suburb of 1960s Johannesburg. When racial tensions in the country escalate and the Steiners plan to move to England, they offer to adopt Celia's daughter Miriam and raise her as their own. But Miriam finds England to be very different to the place she was told about. 'This is the sweet memory of Mme, my dear mother. The first sweet memory ... Sometimes her laughter bursts into my head or I hear her call me - my name full and round in her mouth. Frustratingly though, as with all the memories I have of Mme, her face always blurs under the pressure of my focus.'Celia Mphephu works as a maid for Mr and Mrs Steiner in a leafy, white man's suburb of 1960s Johannesburg. When racial tensions in the country reach fever pitch and the Steiners plan to relocate to England, they offer to adopt Celia's young daughter Miriam and raise her as their own. But Miriam finds England to be very different to the place the Steiners have told her about. And so begins her long journey through the years, back to South Africa, to find her mother and herself. Set against the violent backdrop of apartheid South Africa and then the calm of late twentieth century Britain, Shifting Colours traces the lives of a mother and daughter separated by land, sea and heart-rending circumstance
