Zuma's Bastard is the first collection of writing from Azad Essa, an exciting and acclaimed young South African writer/journalist with a unique voice and plenty of talent. The book is based on and inspired by Azad's hugely popular blog, the Accidental Academic, which won Best Political Blog at the 2009 South African Blog Awards for its thought-provoking, and often controversial, writing. Like the blog, the book covers a broad array of local and international political and social issues with Azad's trademark wit, insight and attitude, and a refreshing serving of satire on the side. The title refers both to a specific piece in the book, as well as Azad's conception of his place in modern South Africa. As Kevin Bloom, journalist and author of Ways of Staying, notes: "The real power in this collection lies in its author's age: the book is a missive from the generation who don't remember apartheid, and it's got a lot to say to those of us who do. If Essa is any indication, the next crop of writers is exactly what South Africa needs - the man is abrasive, engaged, uncowed."