Books matching: post apartheid south africa
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- #1
Save:Devil's Peak by Deon Meyer is the first book in the Benny Griessel series, introducing readers to a brilliantly plotted police procedural with a gripping storyline set in post-apartheid South Africa. The novel follows Detective Inspector Benny Griessel, a complex character battling alcoholism while trying to navigate the challenges of policing in a corrupt society. The book weaves together multiple storylines, including that of Thobela Mpayipheli, a vigilante seeking justice for victims of abuse, and Christine, whose past as a prostitute comes to light. Meyer's writing style effortlessly captures the essence of South Africa, portraying landscapes and townships with authenticity and depth.
He replaced the object in the carton, retracted his hands, leaving the flaps open. He sat again, taking a deep breath as if he wanted to compose himself and then looked up at her. What was he thinking... - #2
Save:'Disgrace' by J.M. Coetzee follows the story of Professor David Lurie, an aging university teacher who faces disgrace after being accused of inappropriate relationships with his students. The narrative delves into themes of age, relationships, culture, and taboo, exploring the protagonist's brutal honesty about himself and his struggles to navigate his disintegrating career and personal life. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, the novel addresses complex issues such as race relations, power dynamics, and societal transformations, all while showcasing Coetzee's spare and engaging writing style that keeps readers engrossed in the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and redemption.
FOR A MAN of his age, fifty-two, divorced, he has, to his mind, solved the problem of sex rather well. On Thursday afternoons he drives to Green Point. Punctually at two p.m. he presses the buzzer at ... Trevor Noah's memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood," offers a unique perspective on growing up during and after apartheid in South Africa. Through a series of vignettes, Noah intertwines seemingly unrelated stories to illuminate the forces that shaped his childhood. The book delves into the complexities of race and culture in South Africa, providing insights into the author's upbringing, his family dynamics, and the societal norms that influenced his life.
Sometimes in big Hollywood movies they’ll have these crazy chase scenes where somebody jumps or gets thrown from a moving car. The person hits the ground and rolls for a bit. Then they come to a stop ...- #4
Save:The Pickup by Nadine Gordimer is a novel that delves into the unlikely relationship between Julie, a privileged White South African, and Abdu, an illegal immigrant from an unnamed Arab village. As their love story unfolds, the book explores the cultural differences and social tensions between the two characters, set against the backdrop of post-Apartheid South Africa. The writing style, although unconventional, provides a unique insight into the characters' perceptions of each other's lives and cultures, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of themes such as immigration, cultural identity, and love.
Clustered predators round a kill. It’s a small car with a young woman inside it. The battery has failed and taxis, cars, minibuses, vans, motorcycles butt and challenge one another, reproach and curse... - #5
Save:'Miss Julie' by August Strindberg is a play that delves into the complexities of societal norms, class struggles, and gender roles during the late 19th century. The story follows the aristocratic woman, Miss Julie, as she engages in a forbidden romance with her servant, Jean, leading to a series of tragic events. The play is known for its robust characterizations, crisp dialogues, and exploration of themes such as misogyny, social diseases, and the consequences of societal expectations on individuals.
The writing style of 'Miss Julie' is described as tight, complex, brilliant, and disturbing, capturing the essence of the class struggles and emotional turmoil of the characters. Strindberg's play is recognized as a classic work that provides valuable insights into the changing women roles and the challenges faced by individuals in a society bound by rigid conventions.
- #6
Save:'The Woman Next Door' by Yewande Omotoso is a novel set in post-apartheid Cape Town, South Africa, focusing on the complex relationship between two elderly neighbors, Marion and Hortensia. Both women have lived next to each other for years in a state of restrained enmity, but circumstances force them to interact on a new level, leading to a fragile friendship. Through flashbacks, the author reveals the history of these two women, highlighting their bitterness, regrets, and the challenges they face as they navigate their past and present. The story delves into themes of race, anger, pride, forgiveness, remorse, and friendship, presenting Marion and Hortensia as complex characters in a complex situation.
THE HABIT OF walking was something Hortensia took up after Peter fell ill. Not at the beginning of his sickness, but later, when he turned seriously ill, bedridden. It had been a Wednesday. She rememb... - #7
Save:'Country of My Skull' by Antjie Krog is a compelling account of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings in South Africa post-Apartheid era. Through a fragmented narrative style, Krog captures the stark and traumatic quality of the actual hearings, providing insights into the challenges faced during this crucial period in South African history. She delves into the details of the TRC, discussing what worked and what didn't, highlighting the ambiguity and complexities involved in seeking truth and reconciliation after the atrocities of the Apartheid regime.
Antjie Krog's writing style allows for creative elements that enhance the material without detracting from the facts, offering multiple perspectives including her own as she grapples with the realities presented during the commission's work. provides a window into South Africa's journey towards healing and accountability, showcasing the struggle for justice and forgiveness in the aftermath of the country's dark past.
Sunk low on their springs, three weathered white Sierras roar past the wrought-iron gates of Parliament. Heavy, hamlike forearms bulge through the open windows—honking, waving old Free State and Trans... - #8
Save:In The Heart of Redness, Zakes Mda crafts a compelling narrative that seamlessly weaves together the historical struggles of the Xhosa people in South Africa with the modern-day dilemmas faced by the descendants of those original factions. The novel delves into the tensions between tradition and modernity, belief and skepticism, as characters grapple with the legacy of past prophecies and the implications for their present and future. Mda's writing style is described as poetic yet forceful, hinting at magical realism while grounding the narrative in the realities of South African history and society.
And he cries often. Sometimes just a sniffle. Or a single tear down his cheek. As a result he carries a white handkerchief all the time, especially these days when peace has returned to the land and t... - #9
Save:Deon Meyer's 'Thirteen Hours' is a gripping police thriller set in Cape Town, following the intense day in the life of Detective Benny Griessel. The story unfolds over a period of 13 hours, involving multiple cases including the murder of a music executive, a conspiracy within the recording business, and the pursuit of ruthless criminals after two American backpackers. The book delves into the racial politics within the South African Police Service, showcasing the complexities of the new South Africa through the eyes of Griessel and his interactions with a diverse group of police recruits. Meyer's writing style weaves together multiple perspectives, intense suspense, and intricate plotlines, creating a taut and finely written narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- #10
Save:In "Slow Man" by J.M. Coetzee, the story revolves around Paul Rayment, a photographer who loses a leg in a bicycle accident and finds himself in a peculiar situation with unwanted visitors who challenge his perceptions and push him to reflect on his life choices. The narrative delves into themes of love, old age, and human vulnerability, with a touch of postmodern literary elements that challenge readers to question reality and the role of characters within a story.
The blow catches him from the right, sharp and surprising and painful, like a bolt of electricity, lifting him up off the bicycle. Relax! he tells himself as he flies through the air (flies through th...
