2011’s best reads

Zukiswa Wanner l Thando Mgqolozana’s feminist take on one of the oldest stories told in Christendom, the story of the virgin birth. With Hear Me Alone, Mgqolozana moves from being a brilliant South African writer to being a brilliant writer. I’ve read it seven times and every time there is a fresh angle to make me laugh or sigh. l The Helon Habila-edited The African Short Story, which showcases some of the best short stories from all over the continent in the last 40 years or so. l The Commonwealth Prize Best Book, Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna,