Literary aficionados, and South Africans generally, recently celebrated with novelist and playwright, Damon Galgut who has been awarded the 2021 Book Prize, for his book 'The Promise'.
A wordsmith of great quality, earlier in 2003 and 2010 Galgut was shortlisted for the same award and after more than a decade in a good time he has been rewarded with the same prestigious award.
Mr Galgut resides in Pretoria and all his life he has been writing - in spades. His award winning book 'The Promise' probes South Africa and the land issue. He is armed with a Drama degree from University of Cape Town.
The following are some of his great works in no particular order:
1. A Sinless Season - 1982
2. Small Circles of Beings - 1988
3. The Beautiful Screaming of Pigs - 1991
4. The Quarry - 1995
5. Arctic Summer - 2014
6. The Good Doctor - 2003
7. In a Strange Room - 2010
8. The Promise - 2021
Review by IM Soqaga Harking back to historical novels of the nations which have been churned out incessantly over the years will continue to be fascinating. Many nations such as in Europe, United State, China and elsewhere in the world have been fully versed on the genre from medieval times up to the 20th century till today. Consequentially, African writers like Thomas Mofolo, Chinua Achebe, Sol Plaatje, Ayi Kwei Armha, Naguib Mahfouz, Wole Soyinka, Maaza Mengistu, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi etc have made many impressive strides in advancing this intriguing genre. Since around 1907 to 1910, a proficient African literary pioneer from Lesotho finished penning a monumental book in Sesotho, one of Southern African indigenous languages. The book is about the most famous Chaka, the King of the Zulu’s. It is a known fact as why the book was delayed and was ultimately being published in 1925. After its publication the book Chaka by Thomas Mofolo was immed...
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS!
ReplyDeleteAnother feather to his cap ...
ReplyDeleteOf course congratulations are in order, a very hard working writer
ReplyDeleteAlways refreshing and exhilarating to read about our award winners, regardless of colour. Up Africa! Well done
ReplyDelete