Paperless

by Buntu Siwisa

314 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2023

Reviews

[Pebi_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning!!

[Mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A keenly observed debut, Paperless immerses us in the often-hidden lives of African immigrants in the heart of Oxford. Through the eyes of Luzuko Goba—a South African doctoral student, Siwisa explores identity, belonging and the ever-thorny question of “home” when visas expire and dreams stretch thin.

The prose is vivid and sharply observant: Oxford’s grand architecture alongside the three Oxfords: an Oxford primarily experienced by white students, a Black Oxford, and an Oxford for the "paperless" undocumented African immigrants. This is an entirely different and necessary rendition to counterbalance romanced dross like My Oxford Year. In contrast, the novel’s strength lies in how it highlights race, nationality, and immigration status.

At times I grappled with the many characters and multiple points of view and wished for some more empowered female characters. Ultimately, the novel highlighted a sense of displacement amidst incredible opportunity and the legacies of exile.

For anyone interested in migrant narratives, post-colonial fiction, or the underside of privilege in places like Oxford, this book resonates long after the last page.

[Qoqanani Mkhwanazi · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book, looking at the life of an Oxford student, who is really looking for a sense of belonging. He seeks it, in what is familiar to him. In his fellow Oxford students, where they are gunning from the same thing, their doctorates, or in the familiarity of people from home despite having to hang out with illegal immigrants. The book is well written, with quite a few moving parts which come together nicely in the middle of the book. It talks to the plight of those seeking a brighter future and are willing to do that even through paperless.

[Janine Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a bit of time to get into it. Thought provoking and at times a little sad.