Voice of the youth
Deep in the favelas of Brazil, Zee finds himself with a rare opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty and crime that both choke and fuel his world.
His struggle to find purpose is guided by the mysterious no-nonsense owner of Cavalheiro, the barbershop where he works. Yet the moment he steps out onto the cobblestone streets, his chaotic life descends on him – again and again.
When Zee’s artistic talent and passion for painting presents a chance out of poverty, he is forced to take a long hard look at his life, and everything in it.
After a lifetime of inexplicable hurt, anger and fear, can his art finally give him a voice?
Voice of the youth
Deep in the favelas of Brazil, Zee finds himself with a rare opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty and crime that both choke and fuel his world.
His struggle to find purpose is guided by the mysterious no-nonsense owner of Cavalheiro, the barbershop where he works. Yet the moment he steps out onto the cobblestone streets, his chaotic life descends on him – again and again.
When Zee’s artistic talent and passion for painting presents a chance out of poverty, he is forced to take a long hard look at his life, and everything in it.
After a lifetime of inexplicable hurt, anger and fear, can his art finally give him a voice?
Book Review
NICOLE ENGELBRECHT
Host, True Crime South Africa podcast.
For me, a great piece of fiction sucks me into a world of the author’s creation and won’t let go until I am fully immersed in the main character’s every word and action.
C. Boyers’ debut novel, Voice of the Youth, does exactly that.
Rich descriptions of characters, settings, and events mesh together perfectly with a beautifully-executed plot that holds something for everyone. Crime fiction fans will appreciate the fast-paced, gritty organized crime element and the story really brings across how easily good intentions can go very wrong.
What’s inside
ONE
Morning
The Outdoor Gym
It’s not unusual for our city’s events and happenings to start later in the day compared to other parts of the world – or so the television tells me. In our country, crowds of families gather in the streets while other countries tuck their little ones in for the night.
Our routine may seem offbeat, but it works for us.
We all know our place, and that place lies within the community, adding a sense of expectation to daily life.
The weight of expectation is one of the reasons that I struggle to say no to people, especially Shakes.
I’ve had my fair share of late nights and early mornings for the sake of celebration – and duty.
So, I allow Shakes to twist my rubber arm into joining him for a gym session before my shift at Baba Blades’ barbershop, Cavalheiro. I also understand the risk of being extra late for my shift. My decision boils down to who I dread disappointing more and adjusting my schedule accordingly. I don’t have the energy to deal with the taunts and manipulation that come if I refuse a gym session.
ONE
Morning
The Outdoor Gym
It’s not unusual for our city’s events and happenings to start later in the day compared to other parts of the world – or so the television tells me. In our country, crowds of families gather in the streets while other countries tuck their little ones in for the night.
Our routine may seem offbeat, but it works for us.
We all know our place, and that place lies within the community, adding a sense of expectation to daily life.
The weight of expectation is one of the reasons that I struggle to say no to people, especially Shakes. I’ve had my fair share of late nights and early mornings for the sake of celebration – and duty.
So, I allow Shakes to twist my rubber arm into joining him for a gym session before my shift at Baba Blades’ barbershop, Cavalheiro.
I also understand the risk of being extra late for my shift. My decision boils down to who I dread disappointing more and adjusting my schedule accordingly.
I don’t have the energy to deal with the taunts and manipulation that come if I refuse a gym session.
CHAPTERS
PAGES
About the author
About the author
C. Boyers’ writing is fueled by a passion to raise awareness about criminal justice through storytelling. Founder of Chosen Narrative, a growing online source for information on criminal justice and social reform with the main goal to tell the story behind statistics. Born and raised in the Eastern Cape in South Africa, C Boyers spent most of her adult years in Cape Town before adopting a nomadic lifestyle, discovering communities around the globe.
Each place she visits inspire her stories further.
The story was sparked by time living in Brazil where the stark contrast between the wealthy tourist areas and the poverty-stricken favelas is difficult to ignore. This social dichotomy is reflected in South Africa, with the parallel highlighting an issue that is far greater than a single city.
CHOSEN NARRATIVE
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