THE Cleanser, a novel by Martin Koboekae, is an imaginative, creative and well-crafted book about a culture that previously existed and is still reportedly being practised in some parts of Africa.

This practice is called cleansing. It involves a community-designated man sleeping with recently widowed women.

Such a man, like Maku in the novel, is envied by some, mocked by others, but seen as a hero of sorts by most in his village, all because his occupation is somewhat exclusive.

Of all the women he has had to cleanse, Barrata is hard to forget. Even though she hated the cleansing and only went through the ordeal because it was compulsory, the woman is also attracted to Maku - not because he is well-endowed, but it all seems instinctive.

The cleansing culture separates the village's people into two parts, with the civilised opposed to a practice they view as being barbaric, while ordinary folk are in support of it.

The rich are so modernised that they do not see a need for this cultural practice, while the poor are in full support of the culture.

The village, named Kongola, has many interesting characters, most of whom are involved in sexual escapades, including those who frown upon womanising and polygamy.

In the end, Maku and Barrata fall in love. And, the book seems to leave it up to the reader to decide whether the practice of sexual cleansing is unacceptable or not.

The Cleanser is published by 24 Hours Productions and retails for R140.

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