Anne Hambuda debuts psychological thriller ‘Iniquity’
Namibian author set to release thrilling debut
Namibian author Anne Hambuda (30) will release her debut novel titled 'Iniquity', a psychological thriller that explores the complexities of human nature through the lens of Windhoek’s hidden layers.
Set to be released on 8 December, the book has quickly gained attention for its dark themes, contemporary setting and compelling character-driven plot.
Hambuda said her inspiration for 'Iniquity' began with a vivid dream. “I had a dream that took place in a club and always wanted to turn that into a scene in a story,” she explained. Having worked for years in nightlife and entertainment, she felt naturally connected to this world.
“I find the duality of human beings so fascinating. It’s from the vantage point of a Namibian entrepreneur who keeps a lot of secrets, so you get to see Windhoek through his eyes.”
A complex lead
Her main character in the novel, Anthony, reflects this duality and moral uncertainty. When asked how readers should engage with a character who commits murder, Hambuda said: “I can’t say for sure I want people to connect with my lead character, but I definitely want them to witness him.”
She added that how readers interpret his actions is entirely personal. “He has his reasons for why he does what he does, and it’s up to readers to decide how they feel about that.”
Discussing the deeper themes, Hambuda said the story touches on forgiveness and emotional release. “In a way, this is a story of forgiveness. It’s about letting go of what is burdening you," she noted, adding that she'd "rather hear how readers have interpreted this after they get to the end.”
At the heart of a city
Windhoek itself plays a major role in the narrative. “I tried to capture the beauty of Windhoek, but also all the bits and pieces that lie beneath the surface. I used songs, the weather and slang, among other things that I feel are somewhat unique and special to us at home,” she said. Her goal was to craft a book that feels authentically Namibian while remaining accessible to international readers.
On her writing process, Hambuda revealed that she writes in reverse. “My process involves working backwards. I need to know the end first, then work my way to the beginning. Twists should be surprising but not out of the blue.”
Advance reader reactions have shown her that the book resonates more deeply than she expected. “My book is super dark and gritty. It definitely comes with a trigger warning for sex, violence and drug use, and it’s not for the faint of heart,” she noted.
For aspiring writers, her advice is simple. “Let more people see your work and it will sell itself, and do a lot of research,” she said.
Looking ahead, Hambuda hopes to explore both new genres and more thrillers. “All my life I’ve wanted to write children’s adventure or drama stories. I still have the thriller bug though,” Hambuda said.
Set to be released on 8 December, the book has quickly gained attention for its dark themes, contemporary setting and compelling character-driven plot.
Hambuda said her inspiration for 'Iniquity' began with a vivid dream. “I had a dream that took place in a club and always wanted to turn that into a scene in a story,” she explained. Having worked for years in nightlife and entertainment, she felt naturally connected to this world.
“I find the duality of human beings so fascinating. It’s from the vantage point of a Namibian entrepreneur who keeps a lot of secrets, so you get to see Windhoek through his eyes.”
A complex lead
Her main character in the novel, Anthony, reflects this duality and moral uncertainty. When asked how readers should engage with a character who commits murder, Hambuda said: “I can’t say for sure I want people to connect with my lead character, but I definitely want them to witness him.”
She added that how readers interpret his actions is entirely personal. “He has his reasons for why he does what he does, and it’s up to readers to decide how they feel about that.”
Discussing the deeper themes, Hambuda said the story touches on forgiveness and emotional release. “In a way, this is a story of forgiveness. It’s about letting go of what is burdening you," she noted, adding that she'd "rather hear how readers have interpreted this after they get to the end.”
At the heart of a city
Windhoek itself plays a major role in the narrative. “I tried to capture the beauty of Windhoek, but also all the bits and pieces that lie beneath the surface. I used songs, the weather and slang, among other things that I feel are somewhat unique and special to us at home,” she said. Her goal was to craft a book that feels authentically Namibian while remaining accessible to international readers.
On her writing process, Hambuda revealed that she writes in reverse. “My process involves working backwards. I need to know the end first, then work my way to the beginning. Twists should be surprising but not out of the blue.”
Advance reader reactions have shown her that the book resonates more deeply than she expected. “My book is super dark and gritty. It definitely comes with a trigger warning for sex, violence and drug use, and it’s not for the faint of heart,” she noted.
For aspiring writers, her advice is simple. “Let more people see your work and it will sell itself, and do a lot of research,” she said.
Looking ahead, Hambuda hopes to explore both new genres and more thrillers. “All my life I’ve wanted to write children’s adventure or drama stories. I still have the thriller bug though,” Hambuda said.
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