Richard's comments
(member since Sep 05, 2007)
Richard's comments from the Great African Reads group.
(showing 1-14 of 14)
Well, I expect lengthy book tours could become a bit of a chore eventually, especially if you have to answer the same questions over and over again. Our discussion in Antwerp revolved mostly around the extent to which the (threat of) violence in our books reflected latter-day realities in South Africa. Quite an interesting discussion all in all. (The third author on the panel was Gawie Keyser.)
Aha, crystal clear. Interviewers, especially abroad, are inclined to draw South African authors into discussions about realities past and present. Often this detracts from the literary aspects of their work and forces them to reveal personal (political) opinions that may be wholly irrelevant to the book. I have experienced this personally and found it rather frustrating. As if you're forced to choose which side of a carefully crafted painting you prefer. As if the intricacy and complexity of your perspective, as expressed in your book, can be boiled down to a simple soundbite.
I forgot to get my copy signed when we met. What exactly was the nature of his "different approach"? I'm intrigued to know.
I just read and reviewed Damon Galgut's The Impostor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope to get stuck into his earlier work sometime soon.http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34207...
I promise to give it my best shot, Marieke. But I am going skating tomorrow...in the wilds...alone. (1 part fact, 2 parts wish)
Hi all,
Belated best wishes for the new year. Lesotho is a long way off, but I'd like to nominate this book now, lest I forget or die prematurely.
If you have trouble getting a copy, I'd be willing to send you mine.
Best wishes,
R.
Excellent! Enjoy your trip, Muphyn. Not sure if you'll be able to find an English copy of my book in European bookstores. Your best bet is online in the US. Probably cheaper too.
This book tour is an excellent initiative, and I certainly hope to play catch-up at a later date. Perhaps I'll hop on the bus halfway.I've posted a short piece about the tour on my blog. Hopefully, it will attract new members and readers to this intriguing Tour d'Afrique.
Thanks very much! Those who get round to reading my book may find this glossary of Dutch and South African terms helpful.
Thanks, Manu, for shedding further light on the historical setting in which TFA was written. Your knowledge on the topic has reminded me just how little I know about the continent I am trying to rediscover via its literature.Several other authors have replied to my blog post on Book SA and I've added a couple more questions (raised at the seminar) that you may find interesting and may be able to answer.
Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart was the topic of an intriguing seminar I attended yesterday evening in Amsterdam, celebrating the 50th anniversary of this classic novel and considering its role in the rise of new African literature.
I posted a brief query on my blog about my initial experience with Achebe. I also previously had a brief off-forum discussion with Marieke about her visit to an Achebe event in the US.
I'd be interested to hear other readers' experiences with this African classic. When and where did you first read it? And what impact did it have?
Greetings, Great African Readers!
Thanks for suggesting my book, Marieke. I'd be more than willing to discuss it with the group, of course, but won't be able to join in any group reads, because of other commitments (including a to-read list that runs from Amsterdam to Cape Town).
Should the group choose my book, I'd be willing to send out a couple of copies - perhaps on the basis of a some sort of contest/quiz.
Feel free to drop me a line.
Pleasant reading!
R.
PS: You'll find an excerpt under my writing.
Six Fang Marks and a Tetanus Shot
Hi everyone,
I've posted three legs of my Voyage of Rediscovery under "My Writing". Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Best,
R.
Hi everyone,
I've just set up an author profile here. Please take a look to find out why I've joined this group. I look forward to participating in your discussions and promise to post more books and info in due course.
In haste,
R.
