A General Theory of Oblivion

The novel is set in Luanda, on the eve of, and during the immediate aftermath of Angola's independence from Portugal.[7][8] The war for independence has left the area in a tumultuous and dangerous state, having raged for over twelve years. Moreover, tensions among the anti-colonial forces[9] (funded by the Soviet Union)[10] indicate that there could be continued violence and terror after independence is achieved.

The novel revolves around Ludo, a Portuguese woman living in the Angolan capital. In the midst of all the violence and chaos caused by the anti-colonial movement's clashes with Portuguese authorities, she decides to isolate herself from society by bricking herself into her penthouse apartment. She provides sustenance for herself by growing vegetables and luring pigeons into the apartment through a window. She incinerates her furniture to provide heat. The story is told from her perspective over the span of 30 years. The only information that she receives about the outside world and the political situation it faces comes from news reports on the radio, or the conversations of neighbours which she overhears.[1]

This situation is changed when she encounters Sabalu, a young boy who attempts to burgle her apartment. Through their interactions, she uncovers the events which have shaken Angola since her self-ostracisation three decades earlier.