The Woman Next Door

“A war of wits and witticisms” this novel of an unlikely friendship in Cape Town “will leave you in love with these two stubborn old women. Delightful” (Helen Simonson, New York Times–bestselling author of The Summer Before the War)

Hortensia James and Marion Agostino are neighbors. One is black, the other white. Both are successful women with impressive careers. Both have recently been widowed, and are living with questions, disappointments, and secrets that have brought them shame. And each has something that the woman next door deeply desires.

Sworn enemies, the two share a hedge and a deliberate hostility, which they maintain with a zeal that belies their age. But, one day, an unexpected event forces Hortensia and Marion together. As the physical barriers between them collapse, their bickering gradually softens into conversation and, gradually, the two discover common ground. But are these sparks of connection enough to ignite a friendship, or is it too late to expect these women to change?

One of NPR’s Best Books of the Year • One of Publishers Weekly’s Writers to Watch

“On the surface, author Yewande Omotoso presents a war of wits, but the story also addresses the history of colonialism, slavery, class and race as tensions come to a head.” —Time

“Incredibly smart . . . will delight you from start to finish.” —Cosmopolitan

“Wise and witty.” —People

“The novel’s complex plot and convincing characters develop beautifully together and are lightened throughout with flashes of excellent comedy.” —The Washington Post

“Like Helen Simonson’s Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand . . . this novel will have universal appeal.” —Library Journal

“A fresh voice as adept at evoking the peace of walking up a kopje as the cruelty of South Africa’s past.” —Publishers Weekly