The Cardinals is a short novel by Bessie Head. It was published posthumously in 1993. It is the only one of her books set in South Africa, her country of birth.

The main character of the book is a woman nicknamed Mouse, whose thirst for writing helps her escape the slums. She is a very withdrawn person, and a charismatic journalist helps her develop as a person and a woman. The novel deals with racial repression and sexism in South Africa.