And here we are again, mid-term into the current year! And how has
literature fared so far?
At the end of last year I wrote a review of the literary trends in the Free State. I was happy to see my piece reproduced in other blogs, newspapers, and a particular overseas journal. This encouraged some to say to me - why don't you write
another short piece on the first part of 2012 thus far?
It must be made clear that I am only interested in what can pass for real
literature - not books on religion, motivation, or massaging a puny
ego. I have in mind works of fiction, poetry, or literary essays.
Hence Pule Lechesa must be commended for the publication of
Essays on
Free State Black literature early this year. Suffice it to say that the
work is world class.
Early in the year Omoseyi Bolaji also published the 8th in the Tebogo series,
Tebogo and the bacchae. As one would expect, countless excellent reviews and critiques of the book have appeared in many parts of the world already.
The book,
Free State of mind has also been a critical success. The poetic work is the brainchild of Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta, Rita Chihawa and Lebo Leisa. It is a great achievement that the book has attracted positive reviews from
literary figures like Bolaji, Hector Kunene, Mathene Mahanke, Napo
Masheane, Sabata Mpho Mokae, Mpikeleni Duma, etc
George Rampai did very well to publish the novel,
From where I stand. I have
seen the book, and on a personal note it would be my choice for book
of the year. But that is neither here nor there.
Teboho Masakala also did well again to publish another work of fiction,
The fall of Marcus Desmond - apparently another grim work ending in a
reprehensible death.
Thus far this year, I have not seen any sweeping, awe-inspiring, literary articles, although honourable mention can be made of three excellent book
reviews – Lechesa’s review of
From where I stand, and his review of
Tebogo and the bacchae. Also, Mathene Mahanke’s appraisal of
Free
State of mind. We’ll see how the rest of the year goes...
- P Lothane
Early in the year Omoseyi Bolaji also published the 8th in the Tebogo series, Tebogo and the bacchae. As one would expect, countless excellent reviews and critiques of the book have appeared in many parts of the world already.
The book, Free State of mind has also been a critical success. The poetic work is the brainchild of Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta, Rita Chihawa and Lebo Leisa. It is a great achievement that the book has attracted positive reviews from
literary figures like Bolaji, Hector Kunene, Mathene Mahanke, Napo
Masheane, Sabata Mpho Mokae, Mpikeleni Duma, etc
George Rampai did very well to publish the novel, From where I stand. I have
seen the book, and on a personal note it would be my choice for book
of the year. But that is neither here nor there.
Teboho Masakala also did well again to publish another work of fiction, The fall of Marcus Desmond - apparently another grim work ending in a
reprehensible death.
Thus far this year, I have not seen any sweeping, awe-inspiring, literary articles, although honourable mention can be made of three excellent book
reviews – Lechesa’s review of From where I stand, and his review of
Tebogo and the bacchae. Also, Mathene Mahanke’s appraisal of Free
State of mind. We’ll see how the rest of the year goes...
- P Lothane
4 comments:
How lucky the Free State is to have so many committed powerful and astute literary critics and observers
free state of mind gives thanks...
though we still awaiting a review from Mr Lechesa himself***wink***
Much much gratefulness for all the help, the love and the support.
Much respect Sir Lothane, this is amazing,a poet named Blaquetouch also published a book this year,did you miss her perhaps?
Excellent review. It is important to be impartial in such a pursuit,
and eliminate powder-puff material, or puny ego stuff as Lothane
brilliantly puts it here. Newspaper articles are not necessarily
literature. Not all books can be included, and I favour the stringent
western approach that excludes, rather than includes. A book with
literary merit will generally be noticed, talked about by perceptive
critics. As Lothane pointed out in his round-up last year, writers
must ensure their books are read by the correct people. If reviewers
or critics see a book and keep quiet, better to assume that they are
being kind, and do not want to pan - ie condemn the book!
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