Risk - Jason Staggie (Books)

Title: Risk

Author: Jason Staggie

Date Published: June 1, 2013

Publisher: Umuzi (an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa)

Category: Transgressive Fiction / Literary Fiction

Risk is Jason Staggie’s provocative debut novel that delves into the lives of hedonistic university students in Cape Town. The story centers on Nelson Jekwa, a young, privileged man named after Nelson Mandela. In a state of boredom and under the influence, Nelson and his friends initiate a game of dares, which rapidly escalates into a radical social movement. Their objective: to liberate Africa from its perceived subjugation by the West. As their missions intensify, the group plans a series of heists aimed at repaying Africa’s debts, but their actions spiral beyond their control.

The novel has been likened to works such as Fight Club and Less Than Zero for its gritty portrayal of youth rebellion and societal critique. Risk was nominated for a South African Literary Award in the Best Young Author category and is reportedly in development as a television series.