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Zes beetwonden en een tetanusprik
Begin 21ste eeuw: een oorlogscorrespondent reist van Amsterdam naar Zuid-Afrika om de bizarre geschiedenis van twee broers te reconstrueren, Ace (Ysbrand) en Rem (Remco) de Heer. De jongens groeien op in Johannesburg in het midden van de jaren zeventig. De jongste, Rem, is een roekeloze pechvogel, neigend naar destructief; om de haverklap overkomen hem de meest wonderlijke ongelukken. Ace tracht zijn broer steeds weer te behoeden voor moeilijkheden.
Midden jaren tachtig: Ace maakt zijn studie niet af en verhuist naar Amsterdam. Rem vervult zijn dienstplicht in Zuid-Afrika, maar vlucht na een gewelddadige aanvaring met zijn sergeant naar zijn broer. Daar stapelen de problemen zich alleen maar hoger op.
Zes beetwonden en een tetanusprik is een spannende, doordringende en bij vlagen hilarische roman. Aan de hand van verschillende fragmenten uit o.a. brieven, dagboeken, jeugdherinneringen, schoolopstellen en politierapporten ontvouwt zich langzaam het wrange verhaal van de broers, en blijkt dat ingrijpende gebeurtenissen uit het verleden ook het heden kunnen aanvreten.
Uit de pers:
'Een vermakelijk postmoderne 'black comedy' die de lezer bij de strot grijpt.' - Het Financieele Dagblad.
'De fragmentarische vertelvorm draagt bij aan de spanning, evenals de rauwe stijl. Dit alles tegen het grimmige decor van het Zuid-Afrika van die tijd zorgt ervoor dat het verhaal je met een ongemakkelijk gevoel achterlaat.' Onze Wereld
‘Vele grappige, ontroerende en morbide scènes in dit met vaart, humor en empathie geschreven boek.’ Het Parool
Midden jaren tachtig: Ace maakt zijn studie niet af en verhuist naar Amsterdam. Rem vervult zijn dienstplicht in Zuid-Afrika, maar vlucht na een gewelddadige aanvaring met zijn sergeant naar zijn broer. Daar stapelen de problemen zich alleen maar hoger op.
Zes beetwonden en een tetanusprik is een spannende, doordringende en bij vlagen hilarische roman. Aan de hand van verschillende fragmenten uit o.a. brieven, dagboeken, jeugdherinneringen, schoolopstellen en politierapporten ontvouwt zich langzaam het wrange verhaal van de broers, en blijkt dat ingrijpende gebeurtenissen uit het verleden ook het heden kunnen aanvreten.
Uit de pers:
'Een vermakelijk postmoderne 'black comedy' die de lezer bij de strot grijpt.' - Het Financieele Dagblad.
'De fragmentarische vertelvorm draagt bij aan de spanning, evenals de rauwe stijl. Dit alles tegen het grimmige decor van het Zuid-Afrika van die tijd zorgt ervoor dat het verhaal je met een ongemakkelijk gevoel achterlaat.' Onze Wereld
‘Vele grappige, ontroerende en morbide scènes in dit met vaart, humor en empathie geschreven boek.’ Het Parool
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
About the author
Richard de Nooy
13 books45 followersRichard de Nooy (1965) grew up in Johannesburg, but has lived in Amsterdam for the past 30 years. He writes his novels in English and Dutch.
His latest novel, Van kleine helden, was published in Dutch in the Netherlands in May 2017. He is currently working on the English edition.
De Nooy's first novel, Six Fang Marks and a Tetanus Shot (Jacana, 2007), won the University of Johannesburg Prize for Best First Book. It was later published in Dutch as Zes beetwonden en een tetanusprik (Nijgh & Van Ditmar, 2008) in the Netherlands.
De Nooy was awarded a grant by the Dutch Foundation for Literature to write his second novel in Dutch. Zacht als Staal was published in August 2010 and was long-listed for the prestigious AKO Literatuurprijs 2011. It was published in English as The Big Stick (Jacana, 2011) in South Africa.
De Nooy's third novel, Zendingsdrang, was published in Dutch by Nijgh & Van Ditmar in January 2013. The English edition was published as The Unsaid by Jacana in South Africa in 2014.
He has also contributed short stories in English and Dutch to numerous anthologies and literary magazines. (List of publications below.)
His latest novel, Van kleine helden, was published in Dutch in the Netherlands in May 2017. He is currently working on the English edition.
De Nooy's first novel, Six Fang Marks and a Tetanus Shot (Jacana, 2007), won the University of Johannesburg Prize for Best First Book. It was later published in Dutch as Zes beetwonden en een tetanusprik (Nijgh & Van Ditmar, 2008) in the Netherlands.
De Nooy was awarded a grant by the Dutch Foundation for Literature to write his second novel in Dutch. Zacht als Staal was published in August 2010 and was long-listed for the prestigious AKO Literatuurprijs 2011. It was published in English as The Big Stick (Jacana, 2011) in South Africa.
De Nooy's third novel, Zendingsdrang, was published in Dutch by Nijgh & Van Ditmar in January 2013. The English edition was published as The Unsaid by Jacana in South Africa in 2014.
He has also contributed short stories in English and Dutch to numerous anthologies and literary magazines. (List of publications below.)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 21, 2008
The tram hit him full force like a charging rhino. Watching him walk away, blood running down his face, Kim knew she was in love. Of course, he had winked at her first. At least she liked to think he had. She’d already decided he would be her next literary crush and any literary crush worth his weight in words would certainly wink at a pretty girl in a mini skirt. Wouldn’t he? Perhaps not. Perhaps he’s the strong silent type that draws women to him by ignoring them. Perhaps he pushed himself up on sore elbows, looked at her blankly - quite a seductive look itself on the right man - and walked away from the accident as if he weren’t leaving disaster and confusion (including Kim’s) in his wake. As if he hadn’t been doing that very thing his entire life.
None of that actually happened in the book. It DID happen in my head but then lots of things do. It could have happened. Richard de Nooy would have written it better, but it could have happened. That’s one of my favorite things about this book. He leaves you to connect the dots yourself and to draw your own conclusions. There’s room for your own imagination in the equation. And you will need it. It’s a clever thing. The facts of the events are handed to you in a charming way as pages from a scrapbook, police records, textbook excerpts, letters, and sketches. But don’t think it’s going to be easy.
Tell the truth now. You wouldn’t like it if it were. Would you?
The events are thought-provoking. The characters, like your next door neighbor and the homely waitress who turned out to be a prostitute and the person who last e-mailed you, demand your attention in uncomfortable ways and require reassessment at every turn. I’m still processing, still thinking about it, still unsure if I read it right, still going back to check. Like a detective who picks up a broken story three-quarters of the way through and begins to piece it back together at one end while it’s still coming apart at the other. Yes, exactly like that.
So you want a synopsis. Two brothers, Ace and Rem. South Africa to Amsterdam to South Africa, not necessarily in that order. Psychological issues - who doesn’t have one or two? - are fascinating. It’s dark and deep in places and light and fun in others. There’s a cool orange chopper bike and Pacman makes a cameo appearance.
I scanned the room, looking for a dark corner to bury my discomfort.
And there they were, winking at me from a niche, two fruit machines, armless bandits, Fagin and the Artful Dodger. I walked over to the Dodger and dropped a coin into the slot. Warm water poured into my skull, instantly reducing my world to three whirring strips of fruit. Within seconds I was hooked. Just like I’d been hooked on pinball, Space Invaders, Pacman and Asteroids. Just like I’d been hooked on sports and games before that. Anything to narrow down the variables. Impose clear rules and odds. Distract myself. Focus. I spent about half an hour playing that first day, blew all my change and ate lukewarm snacks and soggy chips. But I knew I’d be going back the next day.
Not much has changed in the three weeks since the Dodger first slipped his artful hand in my pocket. Angelique still doesn’t know my name; Rem is still beached on my bed upstairs; and I’m down 430 guilders, which amounts to more than a full week’s soul-snatching drudgery at Free University Lab Stores. But the oblivion it has brought me has been worth every fuckin’ hard-earned cent. If ever there was a time I wanted to forget, this was it.
That tells you nothing of the plot. I just liked it. I like the ease with which I slip into the story. Despite being American, despite having no clue what kleinkaasies are, I could relate. Say something scholarly about tone and characterization if you will. I was there. Given that I’m a lazy reader (See the last two books I read. Oh that’s right! I didn’t finish them.), I take this to mean Richard de Nooy has written an excellently entertaining book.
None of that actually happened in the book. It DID happen in my head but then lots of things do. It could have happened. Richard de Nooy would have written it better, but it could have happened. That’s one of my favorite things about this book. He leaves you to connect the dots yourself and to draw your own conclusions. There’s room for your own imagination in the equation. And you will need it. It’s a clever thing. The facts of the events are handed to you in a charming way as pages from a scrapbook, police records, textbook excerpts, letters, and sketches. But don’t think it’s going to be easy.
Tell the truth now. You wouldn’t like it if it were. Would you?
The events are thought-provoking. The characters, like your next door neighbor and the homely waitress who turned out to be a prostitute and the person who last e-mailed you, demand your attention in uncomfortable ways and require reassessment at every turn. I’m still processing, still thinking about it, still unsure if I read it right, still going back to check. Like a detective who picks up a broken story three-quarters of the way through and begins to piece it back together at one end while it’s still coming apart at the other. Yes, exactly like that.
So you want a synopsis. Two brothers, Ace and Rem. South Africa to Amsterdam to South Africa, not necessarily in that order. Psychological issues - who doesn’t have one or two? - are fascinating. It’s dark and deep in places and light and fun in others. There’s a cool orange chopper bike and Pacman makes a cameo appearance.
I scanned the room, looking for a dark corner to bury my discomfort.
And there they were, winking at me from a niche, two fruit machines, armless bandits, Fagin and the Artful Dodger. I walked over to the Dodger and dropped a coin into the slot. Warm water poured into my skull, instantly reducing my world to three whirring strips of fruit. Within seconds I was hooked. Just like I’d been hooked on pinball, Space Invaders, Pacman and Asteroids. Just like I’d been hooked on sports and games before that. Anything to narrow down the variables. Impose clear rules and odds. Distract myself. Focus. I spent about half an hour playing that first day, blew all my change and ate lukewarm snacks and soggy chips. But I knew I’d be going back the next day.
Not much has changed in the three weeks since the Dodger first slipped his artful hand in my pocket. Angelique still doesn’t know my name; Rem is still beached on my bed upstairs; and I’m down 430 guilders, which amounts to more than a full week’s soul-snatching drudgery at Free University Lab Stores. But the oblivion it has brought me has been worth every fuckin’ hard-earned cent. If ever there was a time I wanted to forget, this was it.
That tells you nothing of the plot. I just liked it. I like the ease with which I slip into the story. Despite being American, despite having no clue what kleinkaasies are, I could relate. Say something scholarly about tone and characterization if you will. I was there. Given that I’m a lazy reader (See the last two books I read. Oh that’s right! I didn’t finish them.), I take this to mean Richard de Nooy has written an excellently entertaining book.
December 29, 2008
I owe Richard a big apology. I read Six Fang Marks back in September when we traded books and I've been as unprofessional as a comet-tailing hooker by not getting a review posted before now. I can only plead a busy life, which is a bullshit excuse because all I pretty much do is sit on my dimply ass all day reading books (okay, and grading papers, too). The reality is I needed time to digest this rollicking picaresque, which spans two continents, some graphic incontinence, at least two non-linear storylines, and a lot of comic mishaps and debiltating injuries. The forte is the style: it zooms more recklessly and disregardaciously than European traffic---and I mean that as a compliment. There's an attitude in the language that's loose, winky, and fun in its elbowing liveliness. The only word that comes to mind is verve. It's also a very male book, with a lot of boyish cock-woggling, which one expects from a coming-of-age story because, frankly, that's how we boys fumble our way to manhood: we cock-woggle. That's not to say that there's so much of what the French call le woggle du cock here that it will turn off distaff audiences (as witnessed by the many excellent comments here from GoodReaderettes). Then there's the structure, which is episodic, disconnected, flashing back and forth as it does between the sibling dependencies of two brothers and a journalist piecing together their story. I won't give away exactly how those tales are intertwined, but suffice it to say that it's sure to leave us Americans---literalists we are---scratching our heads, going, "Huh?" And that's a good thing: it's a reminder that not all stories need to be tidily told. I think what I liked best is how the novel drew me in wanting to find the connections in time and place between fragments and juxtapositions. It's no mean feat to construct a disjointed narrative that makes the reader want to joint it back together. That said, the book is also beyond smart in evoking the sentimentalities of brotherdom without getting too sentimental. In the end, all the indirection and uncertainty is a pretty neat metaphor for how circuitous the male syntax gets when trying to express something that should be as straightforward to parse as fraternal love.
September 15, 2008
When I first started reading this book, it reminded me of what it felt like to be ten again, riding my bike over a home-made jump with five friends lying down on the pavement in front of it, hoping I'd make it over.
That's the kind of exuberance and recklessness I found in Rem, one of the two brothers that this novel is about. I rooted for Rem, and loved his fearlessness, purity, and loyalty. To me, he was the epitome of boundless and unstoppable youth. His brother, Ysbrand (more familiarly known as Ace) is the flip side of Rem's coin - more cautious, thoughtful, hesitant - but just as likely to get caught up in the thick of things as Rem.
Six Fang Marks and a Tetanus Shot tells us the story of their lives, which are filled with and shaped by accidents - some minor, and some major - through Ace's recollections as well as that of a journalist trying to learn the truth.
As I continued reading, the book gained much more depth. Without spoilers, things were revealed that made me reconsider what I'd already read, and see things in a new light. It's the kind of book that you keep thinking about after you're done reading it, and find yourself going back to in order to rifle through the pages one more time.
Just sit back and hold on for the ride. It rockets all over - hilarious, tragic, poignant - but the more you read the more you'll want to find out where it's going. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in what I understand will be a series.
That's the kind of exuberance and recklessness I found in Rem, one of the two brothers that this novel is about. I rooted for Rem, and loved his fearlessness, purity, and loyalty. To me, he was the epitome of boundless and unstoppable youth. His brother, Ysbrand (more familiarly known as Ace) is the flip side of Rem's coin - more cautious, thoughtful, hesitant - but just as likely to get caught up in the thick of things as Rem.
Six Fang Marks and a Tetanus Shot tells us the story of their lives, which are filled with and shaped by accidents - some minor, and some major - through Ace's recollections as well as that of a journalist trying to learn the truth.
As I continued reading, the book gained much more depth. Without spoilers, things were revealed that made me reconsider what I'd already read, and see things in a new light. It's the kind of book that you keep thinking about after you're done reading it, and find yourself going back to in order to rifle through the pages one more time.
Just sit back and hold on for the ride. It rockets all over - hilarious, tragic, poignant - but the more you read the more you'll want to find out where it's going. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in what I understand will be a series.
October 13, 2008
This book is what I would imagine it would have been like to grow up as a boy with a younger brother rather than as a girl with a younger brother. Well, if both brothers were unnaturally accident-prone and/or possibly a bit insane. Maybe insane is too strong of a word. Was their story a result of some sort of psychological deficiency or just bad luck? In the case of Ace and his younger brother, Rem, I think it was just bad luck. Rotten luck.
When I first started reading, I thought the narrator (Ace) was completely reliable. Then I started to have an inkling of doubt, which soon became full-blown mistrust, especially when another narrator was introduced. That’s when I had a hard time putting the book down. I had to find out what happened. I had to find out the truth.
At times hilarious, but more often tragic, loving, and poignant, Six Fang Marks & a Tetanus Shot was quite a ride. Besides the story itself, I also liked the not always linear scrapbook/diary format that the novel was written in. I enjoyed the flashbacks to all of the various incidents that occurred while the boys were growing up, and how they ultimately helped tie the novel together in the end.
If you've ever known boys, particularly two brothers, a lot of those stories will sound familiar. The competition...the fighting...the loyalty...the love.
When I first started reading, I thought the narrator (Ace) was completely reliable. Then I started to have an inkling of doubt, which soon became full-blown mistrust, especially when another narrator was introduced. That’s when I had a hard time putting the book down. I had to find out what happened. I had to find out the truth.
At times hilarious, but more often tragic, loving, and poignant, Six Fang Marks & a Tetanus Shot was quite a ride. Besides the story itself, I also liked the not always linear scrapbook/diary format that the novel was written in. I enjoyed the flashbacks to all of the various incidents that occurred while the boys were growing up, and how they ultimately helped tie the novel together in the end.
If you've ever known boys, particularly two brothers, a lot of those stories will sound familiar. The competition...the fighting...the loyalty...the love.
December 29, 2008
I'm confused, but in a good way (yes, I believe that confusion can sometimes be beneficial). I think.... I don't know, give me a moment...
Okay----I believe that-----wait, no, that's not right, hold on.
This book... it ... um... hmm... isn't like anything I've ever read before (and don't go looking at my shelves and tsking my tastes)and that's cool, you know? Maybe not.
I have lots of questions but I'm afraid to ask them, sort of equivalent to rubbernecking. Yeah, that's it. That's exactly it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the set up was fantastic, the characters were fucking awesome and the story didn't follow any of my preconceived notions and I really really liked that (duh).
Read the book already, okay?
OH! I wanted to add one (one) of my favorite lines:
Old age blows your appetite. It's hard to watch Death's twisted claws gripping that juicy peach and lifting it to your mouth.
Okay----I believe that-----wait, no, that's not right, hold on.
This book... it ... um... hmm... isn't like anything I've ever read before (and don't go looking at my shelves and tsking my tastes)and that's cool, you know? Maybe not.
I have lots of questions but I'm afraid to ask them, sort of equivalent to rubbernecking. Yeah, that's it. That's exactly it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the set up was fantastic, the characters were fucking awesome and the story didn't follow any of my preconceived notions and I really really liked that (duh).
Read the book already, okay?
OH! I wanted to add one (one) of my favorite lines:
Old age blows your appetite. It's hard to watch Death's twisted claws gripping that juicy peach and lifting it to your mouth.
February 18, 2009
Six fang marks and a Tetanus Shot
My son has read it, I’ve read it, and my other son is about to read it.
I wish he’d hurry up, because then we could all have a proper discussion about it. So many things I want to ask them about, to see whether or not they agree with my take on things. Right down to the fact that I’m still wondering whether Rem and dreams and nightmares and a sense of the surreal and Rapid Eye Movement are connected – and whether Ace is the wily one or the leader of the pack. (That’s what this book does to you – honest.)
The moment I finished Six fang marks and a Tetanus Shot I wanted to go back to the beginning and reassess everything that happened from there onwards. I wanted to tumble down those stairs again and try to figure out how many fang marks would be left by a certain number of dogs. I don’t know exactly what happened, you see, but I’m sure the pieces will slot into place better if I’m wearing my Marple hat as I read.
My son agrees. He also isn’t exactly sure what happened. But the wonderful thing about wondering about this book and wandering about in it is that it doesn’t leave us feeling frustrated. It’s more a case of saying life’s a bit like that. Nothing is cut and dried and people whom we thought we really liked can sometimes turn out to be completely different to what we thought them to be. But then, who are we to ‘think them to be’ in the first place? Do we have any right to demand that they behave according to our lights, or to be disappointed in them when they don’t? That’s in real life. Which is pretty confusing. In a novel like Six fang marks and a Tetanus Shot it’s not much different. We invest in characters, believe them, think that if we’re seeing things from their point of view, then seeing is believing. And just as we think we have a firm hold on things, it’s quicksilver time and the slippery blighters leave us thinking ‘whaaat?’. (But never ‘wtf?’)
I’m going around in circles here – don’t want to give too much away for those who haven’t read 6fm. So no synopsis from me, and sadly, no clever and neat theories. Instead I’ll just go back to page 2, to #1 ...
That’s when I can get my hands on it ...
... So I’ve just read this to my son and asked if he’d add anything to what I (haven’t) said and he said ‘ummmm, I dunno, Mom. Maybe something about it being a really good book?’ Which I was going to save for when my other son had read it and we could agree on one thing – that it’s a fabulous book (in the true sense of the word), a puzzle, a labyrinth and a maze of a book – a treasure hunt and an obstacle race. Laugh out loud, gasp out loud book. A sick rollercoaster ride that swoops around the world and in and out of childhood. A black comedy and a slapstick pie in your face read. A bundle of truths, lies, evasions and confrontations.
And it’s a really good book (as award winning novels tend to be).
PS - I can't leave this book be. Not without mentioning that even without all the ends being tied together, Ace left my skin crawling. I don't know if anyone else felt this way about him? I can't say why because then I'd have to tick the box that says this review contains spoilers.
My son has read it, I’ve read it, and my other son is about to read it.
I wish he’d hurry up, because then we could all have a proper discussion about it. So many things I want to ask them about, to see whether or not they agree with my take on things. Right down to the fact that I’m still wondering whether Rem and dreams and nightmares and a sense of the surreal and Rapid Eye Movement are connected – and whether Ace is the wily one or the leader of the pack. (That’s what this book does to you – honest.)
The moment I finished Six fang marks and a Tetanus Shot I wanted to go back to the beginning and reassess everything that happened from there onwards. I wanted to tumble down those stairs again and try to figure out how many fang marks would be left by a certain number of dogs. I don’t know exactly what happened, you see, but I’m sure the pieces will slot into place better if I’m wearing my Marple hat as I read.
My son agrees. He also isn’t exactly sure what happened. But the wonderful thing about wondering about this book and wandering about in it is that it doesn’t leave us feeling frustrated. It’s more a case of saying life’s a bit like that. Nothing is cut and dried and people whom we thought we really liked can sometimes turn out to be completely different to what we thought them to be. But then, who are we to ‘think them to be’ in the first place? Do we have any right to demand that they behave according to our lights, or to be disappointed in them when they don’t? That’s in real life. Which is pretty confusing. In a novel like Six fang marks and a Tetanus Shot it’s not much different. We invest in characters, believe them, think that if we’re seeing things from their point of view, then seeing is believing. And just as we think we have a firm hold on things, it’s quicksilver time and the slippery blighters leave us thinking ‘whaaat?’. (But never ‘wtf?’)
I’m going around in circles here – don’t want to give too much away for those who haven’t read 6fm. So no synopsis from me, and sadly, no clever and neat theories. Instead I’ll just go back to page 2, to #1 ...
That’s when I can get my hands on it ...
... So I’ve just read this to my son and asked if he’d add anything to what I (haven’t) said and he said ‘ummmm, I dunno, Mom. Maybe something about it being a really good book?’ Which I was going to save for when my other son had read it and we could agree on one thing – that it’s a fabulous book (in the true sense of the word), a puzzle, a labyrinth and a maze of a book – a treasure hunt and an obstacle race. Laugh out loud, gasp out loud book. A sick rollercoaster ride that swoops around the world and in and out of childhood. A black comedy and a slapstick pie in your face read. A bundle of truths, lies, evasions and confrontations.
And it’s a really good book (as award winning novels tend to be).
PS - I can't leave this book be. Not without mentioning that even without all the ends being tied together, Ace left my skin crawling. I don't know if anyone else felt this way about him? I can't say why because then I'd have to tick the box that says this review contains spoilers.
March 12, 2008
Wow - this is a first novel? I loved it - I'll probably give it 5 stars after I re-read the whole thing. I'm a chain reader, and I usually have at least two going at once. Occasionally one captures my imagination and attention to the extent that I can't just finish it and go right on to the next; I need a day or two to ruminate. This was one of those rare books that not only keep my attention after I've closed the covers, but becomes better upon reflection.
I have to admit that some of the dialect slowed me down a bit, but I'm sure that's due to my own inexperience. I was tempted to stop and look up braai and bakkie and terr, but I was more interested in what would come next.
I probably read it too fast to pick up all the nuances, but I thoroughly appreciated the ironies and twists. As I got closer to the end, I thought I knew what was coming; I was almost right but still surprised. I knew I skimmed by something important in Deo's five chapters, so I specifically re-read them and was glad of it - there was more even than I thought I missed, and just that extra part of an hour made a great deal of difference.
It reminded me somewhat of the experience of reading Life of Pi, but much more satisfyingly and less distastefully so. The strongest similarity is due to the lingering after-thoughts (post-musings?) similar to an "aftertaste" when eating...or maybe more like enjoying a fine wine?
Great job, Richard! It's been more of a pleasure to have met you than I expected.
I have to admit that some of the dialect slowed me down a bit, but I'm sure that's due to my own inexperience. I was tempted to stop and look up braai and bakkie and terr, but I was more interested in what would come next.
I probably read it too fast to pick up all the nuances, but I thoroughly appreciated the ironies and twists. As I got closer to the end, I thought I knew what was coming; I was almost right but still surprised. I knew I skimmed by something important in Deo's five chapters, so I specifically re-read them and was glad of it - there was more even than I thought I missed, and just that extra part of an hour made a great deal of difference.
It reminded me somewhat of the experience of reading Life of Pi, but much more satisfyingly and less distastefully so. The strongest similarity is due to the lingering after-thoughts (post-musings?) similar to an "aftertaste" when eating...or maybe more like enjoying a fine wine?
Great job, Richard! It's been more of a pleasure to have met you than I expected.
Read
March 17, 2023Dear friends/readers,
It gives me great pride and joy to inform you that my novel has won the University of Johannesburg Prize for Best First Book!
Thanks again for your support and friendship!
It gives me great pride and joy to inform you that my novel has won the University of Johannesburg Prize for Best First Book!
Thanks again for your support and friendship!
October 21, 2007
The story grasped my from page one and left me confused in a pleasant way. Food for thought and a good reason to start reading it again.
It's a swift read at first sight, but the story still makes me wondering what really went down there.
That's my kind of book: one that doesn't give away everything straight-way!
It's a swift read at first sight, but the story still makes me wondering what really went down there.
That's my kind of book: one that doesn't give away everything straight-way!
December 21, 2009
What a fantastic read. It's got a bit of the 'what the hell is going on here?' Infinite Jest-ness to it, but only has 200 pages to straighten it out. It's a jigsaw puzzle sort-of whodunnit, but not really, but kind of, and it's compelling.
And disturbing. Very profoundly disturbing. I will not sleep well for a while.
And disturbing. Very profoundly disturbing. I will not sleep well for a while.
June 26, 2008
Fabulous, zany book that straddles South Africa and Amsterdam. Whiffs of Dostoevsky and Salinger and Martin Amis. This is an utterly unique book written by one of the freshest, brashest, rawest voices to come out of South Africa.
June 5, 2013
I'm going to start off by saying this book is probably not for everyone. It's certainly bizarre, being composed primarily of stream-of-consciousness scribblings allegedly cribbed from the primary characters' journals mixed with a smattering of psychology textbook quotes, primarily on the subject of accident-prone and suicidal people. Untangling the central thread of the narrative is not for the faint of heart. Once you do however, there are some incredibly gut-wrenching nuggets of truth buried within that are - in my opinion, at least - well worth the price of admission.
The central theme is the relationship between a pair of troubled brothers. Rem, an accident-prone, thrill-seeking borderline autistic (and potential psycho/sociopath) and Ace, a failed college student, lab worker and troublemaker who spends much of his time documenting his brother's insane antics and trying to clean up the messes. It comes off well, with the brothers and their relationship portrayed quite vividly and much more realistically than in most works; Ace and Rem may be dysfunctional, but they share a true bond and it's on great display, without getting into sappy After School Special territory nor swinging too far in the opposite direction of making them polarized reflections full of spite and venom.
The technical aspects of the novel are solid, with the language being clear and well written - though a bit of a primer in Dutch and South African terminology would likely help the reader - in as much as it's supposed to be. Admittedly, there are points where the narrative becomes clear as mud, but in every one of those instances I felt as though that was the intention - and they were cleared up eventually - so I don't feel much need to dock it for those.
Where the book really hits you, however, is the emotional component. After spending a bit of time setting up the weirdness of Rem and Ace's relationship, up to the point where you're probably casting Rem as the burly, slow, troublemaker and Ace as the shining knight who covers his brother's butt, you are treated to the blow by blow (via one character's recollections and a collection of police interviews) of what happened to a character who had often been referenced but never seen in the book previously. Those revelations - and their reverberations - shatter that initial painting of the characters, and do it extremely well. It's rare that something in a book comes out of left field (while still having all the seeds planted and ready for observation, had you but noticed...) and punches me in the gut, and this book did it three times. High marks on that count alone.
The final few pages of the book, composed of correspondance and some extra scenes, was also very interesting... not sure if that correspondance was something the author actually engaged in when writing/publishing the book, or if it's more set dressing to "sell" the rest of the tale but in either case the inclusion was brilliant and intriguing. The extra sections didn't do much for me - I felt the tale as it had been told was fine enough - but were still of interest.
Overall, I'd say it's certainly worth a look if you like strange psychological tales (especially in the Chuck P stripe, though this lacks much of the gore that the former is famous for), but should probably be avoided if you're of the tribe who prefers not to mix too much heavy thought into your reading. Excellent material.
The central theme is the relationship between a pair of troubled brothers. Rem, an accident-prone, thrill-seeking borderline autistic (and potential psycho/sociopath) and Ace, a failed college student, lab worker and troublemaker who spends much of his time documenting his brother's insane antics and trying to clean up the messes. It comes off well, with the brothers and their relationship portrayed quite vividly and much more realistically than in most works; Ace and Rem may be dysfunctional, but they share a true bond and it's on great display, without getting into sappy After School Special territory nor swinging too far in the opposite direction of making them polarized reflections full of spite and venom.
The technical aspects of the novel are solid, with the language being clear and well written - though a bit of a primer in Dutch and South African terminology would likely help the reader - in as much as it's supposed to be. Admittedly, there are points where the narrative becomes clear as mud, but in every one of those instances I felt as though that was the intention - and they were cleared up eventually - so I don't feel much need to dock it for those.
Where the book really hits you, however, is the emotional component. After spending a bit of time setting up the weirdness of Rem and Ace's relationship, up to the point where you're probably casting Rem as the burly, slow, troublemaker and Ace as the shining knight who covers his brother's butt, you are treated to the blow by blow (via one character's recollections and a collection of police interviews) of what happened to a character who had often been referenced but never seen in the book previously. Those revelations - and their reverberations - shatter that initial painting of the characters, and do it extremely well. It's rare that something in a book comes out of left field (while still having all the seeds planted and ready for observation, had you but noticed...) and punches me in the gut, and this book did it three times. High marks on that count alone.
The final few pages of the book, composed of correspondance and some extra scenes, was also very interesting... not sure if that correspondance was something the author actually engaged in when writing/publishing the book, or if it's more set dressing to "sell" the rest of the tale but in either case the inclusion was brilliant and intriguing. The extra sections didn't do much for me - I felt the tale as it had been told was fine enough - but were still of interest.
Overall, I'd say it's certainly worth a look if you like strange psychological tales (especially in the Chuck P stripe, though this lacks much of the gore that the former is famous for), but should probably be avoided if you're of the tribe who prefers not to mix too much heavy thought into your reading. Excellent material.
January 14, 2008
Dear Richard
as promised I read your book while on holiday in Anysberg, a cape Nature Reserve, between Laingsburg and Ladismith. I also read Almost Moon by Alice Sebold as well as a number of children's books aloud to my 5 year old daughter.
I was rivetted by your book, and devastated. I think it also had to do with being tired and the empty beauty of the landscape. I am left with questions - who is Deo? He is a tricky character, perhaps I didn't read closely enough, but he puzzled me.
I like the whole sibling thing too, it's such a weird, ingewikkeld relationship, and you really give me (the reader) that.
I also wondered why you chose to use all the different kinds of texts, they acted as distancing devices. Were you trying to keep us away a bit, keep our hands clean? Or yours? BTW - have you read that quote from Tobias Woolf, (In Pharaoh's Army) where he says - "How do you tell a terrible story?" How do you position yourself as the teller? In a way that is what I am left with after reading yours. OK, so this is a way to tell a terrible story. There are so many terrible stories and we are all implicated. You don't sidestep that... I don't think.
I liked Ysbrand's voice and persona, although he is a bit of a wimp (like me). And shocking and surprising.
I liked the linkd between past and present, here and there (Amsterdam). I grew up in Joburg, don't know Meredale well, but it was powerfully evocative. Your story left me feeling blue though. Does it always have to be so goddam awful.
I couldn't put it down once I had started, which for me is the highest accolade, those are the books I love, not the ones that I know are good, brilliant, etc, but somehow I have to coax myself to finish. Not that I am saying the opposite re your book. But the best thing about it was - I was hooked,and surprised, and you left me guessing and wondering right to and beyond the end. I've been recommending it to people and I have bought a copy as a gift for a friend already.
There is much more to say, but I don't want to rave on and I don't want to give the story away.
warm regards
Colleen
as promised I read your book while on holiday in Anysberg, a cape Nature Reserve, between Laingsburg and Ladismith. I also read Almost Moon by Alice Sebold as well as a number of children's books aloud to my 5 year old daughter.
I was rivetted by your book, and devastated. I think it also had to do with being tired and the empty beauty of the landscape. I am left with questions - who is Deo? He is a tricky character, perhaps I didn't read closely enough, but he puzzled me.
I like the whole sibling thing too, it's such a weird, ingewikkeld relationship, and you really give me (the reader) that.
I also wondered why you chose to use all the different kinds of texts, they acted as distancing devices. Were you trying to keep us away a bit, keep our hands clean? Or yours? BTW - have you read that quote from Tobias Woolf, (In Pharaoh's Army) where he says - "How do you tell a terrible story?" How do you position yourself as the teller? In a way that is what I am left with after reading yours. OK, so this is a way to tell a terrible story. There are so many terrible stories and we are all implicated. You don't sidestep that... I don't think.
I liked Ysbrand's voice and persona, although he is a bit of a wimp (like me). And shocking and surprising.
I liked the linkd between past and present, here and there (Amsterdam). I grew up in Joburg, don't know Meredale well, but it was powerfully evocative. Your story left me feeling blue though. Does it always have to be so goddam awful.
I couldn't put it down once I had started, which for me is the highest accolade, those are the books I love, not the ones that I know are good, brilliant, etc, but somehow I have to coax myself to finish. Not that I am saying the opposite re your book. But the best thing about it was - I was hooked,and surprised, and you left me guessing and wondering right to and beyond the end. I've been recommending it to people and I have bought a copy as a gift for a friend already.
There is much more to say, but I don't want to rave on and I don't want to give the story away.
warm regards
Colleen
June 25, 2008
This is a very interesting read from a first-time author. More of a scrapbook compilation of a story than a standard novel, the author moves through many different voices as he relates the story of Ace and Rem De Heer, two brothers growing up in South Africa.
The brothers De Heer are plagued by accidents that variously incapacitate and harm them, related in short snapshots titled with the cause of the accident and the injuries sustained- from a jousting match with bamboo poles to impaling oneself on a car door handle. Woven among these stories is a mystery surrounding an event of their childhood that has far ranging consequences and haunts them into adulthood. When Rem shows up in Amsterdam and is subsequently smacked flat by a tram, Ace finds that the brothers' shared past of accidents and tragedy isn't as easy to leave behind as he'd thought.
This is a story that teases you like a burlesque dancer, slowly dropping bits and pieces of its covering until the truth stands revealed. De Nooy's writing is quirky and written in a comfortable off-the-cuff manner that echoes the haphazard way his character's live their lives. His ability at writing dialect so that your mind hears it while reading is phenomenal. I particularly enjoyed a look at growing up in South Africa where the struggles of Apartheid were not the main focus, but rather events that intruded in upon the lives of the two brothers. I definitely look forward to the next work by this up-and-coming author.
The brothers De Heer are plagued by accidents that variously incapacitate and harm them, related in short snapshots titled with the cause of the accident and the injuries sustained- from a jousting match with bamboo poles to impaling oneself on a car door handle. Woven among these stories is a mystery surrounding an event of their childhood that has far ranging consequences and haunts them into adulthood. When Rem shows up in Amsterdam and is subsequently smacked flat by a tram, Ace finds that the brothers' shared past of accidents and tragedy isn't as easy to leave behind as he'd thought.
This is a story that teases you like a burlesque dancer, slowly dropping bits and pieces of its covering until the truth stands revealed. De Nooy's writing is quirky and written in a comfortable off-the-cuff manner that echoes the haphazard way his character's live their lives. His ability at writing dialect so that your mind hears it while reading is phenomenal. I particularly enjoyed a look at growing up in South Africa where the struggles of Apartheid were not the main focus, but rather events that intruded in upon the lives of the two brothers. I definitely look forward to the next work by this up-and-coming author.
September 29, 2007
This is a strange book...but in a brilliantly pleasant way. The format is great, pulling you all over the place without leaving you feeling totally lost or confused….but teasing you enough to know that there is always something more going on. The reading pace is quick… which is of necessity because you will want to read it again to really grasp the depth of what’s going on. A puzzle that pulls you in and makes you wonder if this is indeed a work of fiction or an autobiographical confession. Great imagery, a feel for the grittiness of life, and a twisted sense of humor that is all too real in our modern world, utilized by people who often are just trying to survive it all. You feel for the characters (although perhaps not agreeing with them) and can very easily see them doing these 'things' or understand these events happening without stepping back and saying,” That’s ridiculous, people don't act that way or think those things"...because they certainly do, both good and bad. It tears away the naivety of the human condition and has an open honest ness to man’s depravity and, even more interestingly, what exactly people may see as their personal redemption from this state. Read it and I’d have a hard time believing anyone would say it was a bad choice.
January 23, 2009
I remember how I met this incredible book" Six Fang Marks and a Tetanus Shot. "
"A force, a strange feeling emerges from this story "....... was my first impression at the beginning of my reading.
Two brothers, Ace and Rem De Heer. The history tells us their lives, their memories, talks about the events, tragic accidents that they live between "South Africa" and "Amsterdam"
I read a few chapters ... then I closed the book to reflect ...... The story captured my attention ... I needed a few days before continuing my reading.
"Six Fang Marks and a Tetanus Shot" is a pleasant, entertaining reading. Thanks Richard for the glossary of "South African" and "Dutch" words.
"A force, a strange feeling emerges from this story "....... was my first impression at the beginning of my reading.
Two brothers, Ace and Rem De Heer. The history tells us their lives, their memories, talks about the events, tragic accidents that they live between "South Africa" and "Amsterdam"
I read a few chapters ... then I closed the book to reflect ...... The story captured my attention ... I needed a few days before continuing my reading.
"Six Fang Marks and a Tetanus Shot" is a pleasant, entertaining reading. Thanks Richard for the glossary of "South African" and "Dutch" words.
July 23, 2008
I was reading merrily along until Chapter 17 (I think) which was when the SHIT HIT THE FAN. In a plot-revelation kind of way. You people have got to start warning me before I read books about fucked up shit.
Note: Richard, no, there was no Kenya in the book. Not even on the father's travels. Good!
I don't yet know what I've taken away from this book. I did think that Deo would turn out to be Deelee for a while. Guess I was wrong on that one...
Note: Richard, no, there was no Kenya in the book. Not even on the father's travels. Good!
I don't yet know what I've taken away from this book. I did think that Deo would turn out to be Deelee for a while. Guess I was wrong on that one...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2008
Een spannende roman opgebouwd uit fragmenten zoals dagboekaantekeningen,citaten,tekeningen en brieven.Daardoor lijkt de grens tussen fictie en realiteit soms te vervagen en maakt de geschiedenis over de twee broers Remco en Ysbrand aangrijpender en zet je aan tot nadenken.
Soms bot en onopgesmukt,soms grappig en vol zwarte humor maar vooral een boek dat me heeft geraakt door de kleine droevige momenten.
Een debuterende auteur waarvan ik zeker meer wil lezen!
Soms bot en onopgesmukt,soms grappig en vol zwarte humor maar vooral een boek dat me heeft geraakt door de kleine droevige momenten.
Een debuterende auteur waarvan ik zeker meer wil lezen!
May 10, 2009
wow. phew. what a romp! i'm a little out of breath from reading that. also, it's hard to believe it's a first novel. thank you richard for letting yourself out of the closet! hurry up so we can all read another one. probably i should write more about the book...but it's too interesting stylistically and plot-wise...i don't want to risk spoiling anything for anyone...
June 21, 2011
This book is so vicious and tender and, in short, real. I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Ace and Rem evolve as the story unfolded. The accident prone quotes gave the book an extra kick and added to the mystique of Rem and seemed hip rather than out of place. The artwork was disturbingly great.
August 11, 2018
Read it years ago but still remember it. Springs on you emotionally at times. Powerful but not indulgently written.
May 29, 2019
Not my style but well written and good story.
October 29, 2008
Bijgaand een aantal recensies uit de Nederlandse pers en een foto van de prachtige etalage bij Athenaeum Boekhandel op het Spui in Amsterdam.
'Niemand ontsnapt aan zijn verantwoordelijkheid, zelfs de lezer niet. Want dankzij De Nooys vernuftige verteltechniek word je zo diep het verhaal in gesleurd dat je af en toe schrikt van iets waarom je eerst hebt gelachen. En dan besef je hoe gemakkelijk je medeplichtig kunt worden.' Trouw
(De volledige recensie. Let wel: Mogelijke spoilers.)
‘Vele grappige, ontroerende en morbide scènes in dit met vaart, humor en empathie geschreven boek.’ Het Parool
(Het volledige interview.)
'Een vermakelijk postmoderne 'black comedy' die de lezer bij de strot grijpt.' Het Financieele Dagblad
'De fragmentarische vertelvorm draagt bij aan de spanning, evenals de rauwe stijl. Dit alles tegen het grimmige decor van het Zuid-Afrika van die tijd zorgt ervoor dat het verhaal je met een ongemakkelijk gevoel achterlaat.' Onze Wereld
'Niemand ontsnapt aan zijn verantwoordelijkheid, zelfs de lezer niet. Want dankzij De Nooys vernuftige verteltechniek word je zo diep het verhaal in gesleurd dat je af en toe schrikt van iets waarom je eerst hebt gelachen. En dan besef je hoe gemakkelijk je medeplichtig kunt worden.' Trouw
(De volledige recensie. Let wel: Mogelijke spoilers.)
‘Vele grappige, ontroerende en morbide scènes in dit met vaart, humor en empathie geschreven boek.’ Het Parool
(Het volledige interview.)
'Een vermakelijk postmoderne 'black comedy' die de lezer bij de strot grijpt.' Het Financieele Dagblad
'De fragmentarische vertelvorm draagt bij aan de spanning, evenals de rauwe stijl. Dit alles tegen het grimmige decor van het Zuid-Afrika van die tijd zorgt ervoor dat het verhaal je met een ongemakkelijk gevoel achterlaat.' Onze Wereld
January 24, 2011
Laat je niet misleiden door de chiclit-achtige titel en dito plaatje op de voorkant! Deze roman van de Zuid-Afrikaanse schrijver Richard de Nooy is alles behalve chiclit.
De banaan slaat namelijk op de ongeluksmagneet Remco de Heer, waarover het boek gaat. Zijn broer, Ysbrand (Ace) beschrijft hoe zijn broer al van jongs af aan allerlei ongelukken en ongelukjes kreeg of zelfs veroorzaakte. Meestal zijn er wat butsen en builen te betreuren, maar een keer loopt het vreselijk uit de hand.
Naast de belevenissen uit de jeugd in Zuid-Afrika van beide broers lees je in het tweede deel van het boek over een periode halverwege de jaren '80. Ace woont in Amsterdam en Rem komt hem daar 'opzoeken'. Natuurlijk krijgt hij ook daar een ongeluk: hij wordt aangereden door een tram en raakt verlamd vanaf zijn middel. Waarom wil hij toch geen hulp aanvaarden?
Een roman die traag op gang komt - waar wil de schrijver nou naartoe met de beschrijving van weer een ongeval - maar aan het eind in een razend tempo naar een huiveringwekkende climax toe gaat.
De banaan slaat namelijk op de ongeluksmagneet Remco de Heer, waarover het boek gaat. Zijn broer, Ysbrand (Ace) beschrijft hoe zijn broer al van jongs af aan allerlei ongelukken en ongelukjes kreeg of zelfs veroorzaakte. Meestal zijn er wat butsen en builen te betreuren, maar een keer loopt het vreselijk uit de hand.
Naast de belevenissen uit de jeugd in Zuid-Afrika van beide broers lees je in het tweede deel van het boek over een periode halverwege de jaren '80. Ace woont in Amsterdam en Rem komt hem daar 'opzoeken'. Natuurlijk krijgt hij ook daar een ongeluk: hij wordt aangereden door een tram en raakt verlamd vanaf zijn middel. Waarom wil hij toch geen hulp aanvaarden?
Een roman die traag op gang komt - waar wil de schrijver nou naartoe met de beschrijving van weer een ongeval - maar aan het eind in een razend tempo naar een huiveringwekkende climax toe gaat.
Want to read
March 29, 2011Boise library doesn't have this book, so I don't think I'll be reading this one.
Read
August 8, 2019Sick & Twisted w/ tight writing - Like it.
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