In newly democratic South Africa, doorman Ezekiel Mabuza is sinking under the weight of the deaths of his wife from cancer, one son from AIDS and the other in township violence. He urgently needs to return to his home village to see his sangoma (medicine woman) about why the spirits of his ancestors are so angry with him that they are taking his loved ones. He fears losing his two daughters.
Ezekiel-s boss, museum director Ben Gallagher, refuses him the extra leave needed for the long journey and suggests that he consults a local sangoma. After a night drinking with friends, Ezekiel snaps. He pulls a knife on Gallagher during an important visit by Swedishfunders. The doorman chases his terrified boss through the streets until Ben finally manages to pull away.
Downhill Without Brakes is an absorbing, poignant novel that traces how one fateful incident changes both Ezekiel-s and Gallagher-s lives forever, with feisty Nomsa, Ezeki
