Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of The Return of the Water Spirit
Literary Fiction· Angola

The Return of the Water Spirit

by Pepetela
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1995Portuguese
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Pepetela's The Return of the Water Spirit (1995) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Pepetela's novel is a critical examination of post-independence Angola, focusing on the disillusionment and corruption that followed the initial euphoria of liberation. Through a rich tapestry of characters and stories, the book reflects on the challenges of building a new nation and the enduring spirit of its people. Themes of disillusionment, corruption, nation-building run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPepetela
Published1995
Country of Origin🇦🇴 Angola
LanguagePortuguese
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780435909935
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇦🇴 Angola

This book is part of Angola's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Angola →

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
notable · global
19970
✍️
About the Author
Pepetela
Angola
View Author →
The Happiness Blueprint
New Release by Peter Burchardt
The Happiness Blueprint
Your Evolutionary Guide to Joy, Purpose, and Lasting Well-Being
Happiness isn’t a destination — it’s a blueprint written in your DNA.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Remains of the Day
literary-fiction

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro· 1989
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The White Tiger
literary-fiction

The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga· 2008
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Road
literary-fiction

The Road

Cormac McCarthy· 2007
★Pulitzer Prize★Hugo Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Return of the Water Spirit about?

Pepetela's novel is a critical examination of post-independence Angola, focusing on the disillusionment and corruption that followed the initial euphoria of liberation. Through a rich tapestry of characters and stories, the book reflects on the challenges of building a new nation and the enduring spirit of its people.

Who wrote The Return of the Water Spirit?

The Return of the Water Spirit was written by Pepetela, from Angola. First published in 1995.

What awards has The Return of the Water Spirit won?

The Return of the Water Spirit has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Return of the Water Spirit worth reading?

The Return of the Water Spirit is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in disillusionment, corruption, nation-building.

Where can I buy The Return of the Water Spirit?

You can buy The Return of the Water Spirit on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Return of the Water Spirit?

The Return of the Water Spirit is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Return of the Water Spirit from?

The Return of the Water Spirit originates from Angola's literary tradition. Explore more books from Angola on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

📖More Literary FictionBrowse all Literary Fiction books🇦🇴Books from Angola🇦🇴 Angola literature📅1990s BooksPublished in the 1990s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time