Will to Die

by Can Themba

Paperback

Genres: Africa, South Africa, Short Stories, Contemporary

Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Daniel Canodoce "Can" Themba (21 June 1924 – 1968) was a South African short-story writer.

Reviews

[Puleng Hopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Will To Die is a compilation of 17 short stories and reportage that was published posthumously . The author regales us, in immaculate language, of experiences of Black people in the late 1950’s apartheid South Africa. The book starts with a powerful tribute, obituary by fellow journalist Lewis Nkosi, which serves as a foreword too. The stories are related beautifully, lyrically and are brought to life. The narration contains unapologetic, honest, opinion on the Nationalist government, police force, group areas act, racism , social scene, religion, alcohol, and public transport.

All the stories are brilliant. “Political Offenders Banned To The Bush” , the experiences of a banished and displaced people in the North West province. “Brothers In Christ” is a disturbing work of investigative journalism which exposes hypocrisy and racial intolerance by white Christians, “The Will To Die” chronicles the demise of a teacher as a result of finding solace in alcohol.” Nude Pass Parade”, relates of the humiliation meted to the Black male bodies when doing group medical examinations for purposes of obtaining employment permits. " Kwashirokor" brings the slums of Alexander to life, let's us in on the vagaries of migrant labor on Black families, “The Suite” a story of how when we are systematically oppressed we are inclined to over react and subconsciously take it out on our loved ones who have erred .

Can Themba was passionate about Sophiatown and its multi culture. It's demolition devastated him to unimaginable proportions. He was a political activist whose weaponry was the pen and the mind. His work was initially banned by the then government of South Africa. He passed away in 1968 while in exile in Swaziland. Teacher turned investigative journalist, and then back to teaching . He went too soon. Killed by the monster called apartheid, that stifled his growth , frustrated him, gagged him, drove him to the overuse of alcohol, that led to his ultimate demise at 44.

I thoroughly enjoyed each and every story.

[Lwazi Bangani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will to Die by Can Themba is a captivating read that instantly made me nostalgic for Johannesburg, with its mentions of familiar suburbs that brought back vivid memories.

The story is sharp, witty, and laced with humor, showcasing Themba's ability to mix serious themes with a light touch. It offers a glimpse into the lives and mindset of township dwellers in the 1960s and earlier, giving readers a profound understanding of the social dynamics, struggles, and resilience of the time.

A delightful and insightful read, it’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

[Dione · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book that depicts south Africa in the Sophiatown era. its a collection of short stories and writings by Can Themba. i loved the vivid imagery in the book: you can almost smell, feel and see the sophiatown atmosphere.

[Tefo Mohapi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of Can Themba's short stories about life in Sophiatown during apartheid was pleasant to read. Not that the stories were pleasant but rather Can's writing made them pleasant and easy to read considering how most are traumatic. Apartheid South Africa was evil but as Can tries to narrate, albeit fiction, somehow Africans made the trauma of apartheid liveable, if I can put it that way. What I also liked is getting a glimpse of Sophiatown during that period of time.

[Taryn Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of short stories at Can Thembas best. Beautifully written. Giving light to the underbelly and inner workings of a time and place I could never understand.

[Nkhensani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shelved this one because I'm too distracted to finish.
However, it was very good while I was reading it. I enjoy the writing from the Drum generation. It's interesting to see how life in the city has changed in some ways and stayed the same in many others. I enjoy writers who create full, large characters and use them to tell stories which, while they will likely not stay with you forever, make a great impression.

3.75 because I think it's worth reading/picking up again.

[Judith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, and there’s nothing I could add to the excellent and full review by fellow Goodreader Puleng Hopper.

My secondhand paperback copy is number 104 in the African Writers Series, whose editorial adviser was Chinua Achebe, published by Heinemann Educational Books in 1972.

It’s travelled a long way, as it’s ink/stamped on the bottom of the title page:

DANISH VOLUNTEER TRAINING CENTRE
TENGERU
LIBRARY

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the very best of the African Writers Series, in my opinion.... Themba writes in a colloquial and relaxed way about being kicked out of segregated churches, the trials and tribulations of dating white women in apartheid-era South Africa, and of drinking. Lots of drinking and lots of shebeens.