The Messiah's Dream Machine. Jennifer Friedman

This sequel to Jennifer Friedman’s enchanting first memoir picks up where 'Queen of the Free State' leaves off: as the rebellious young teenager is packed off to boarding school in Cape Town. Told with humour and pathos, the theme of displacement – of the outsider – is explored further as we follow Jennifer’s journey into adulthood, becoming a wife and mother, living in Johannesburg and Israel, emigration, and leave-takings in Australia. Once again a strong sense of love, loyalty and place prevails, especially on her trips home to her beloved Free State. Expect stories about train journeys, windmills and floods, dead bodies on deck chairs, certifiably crazy home-help, babies, secrets and redemption, a Jewish British Bulldog and the Messiah’s favourite place.