As promised, here is the text of the speech introducing The New Suffolk Hymnbook that left me rather flustered last Wednesday. Thanks again, Henrietta.
Notes on The New Suffolk Hymnbook by Henrietta Rose-Innes
Some months ago, Gus Ferguson gave me a copy of he New Suffolk Hymnbook, saying that he thought I would like it. I was a little nervous (what if I didn’t? what would I say to Gus?), and for a long time put it aside unread. But every now and then I would glance at its dreamy, sub-marine cover. Eventually I took it with me to a North Sea island, where, trapped in a heat wave in a suitably otherworldly state of mind, I read it. And was delighted to discover writing as dreamlike and compelling as the angels and sea creatures that float on the cover. I never did tell Gus what I thought of the book, and so I was glad when Ben gave me the chance to do so by asking me to introduce him tonight.
Keep reading »
1 comment »
Snail Press’ latest title, the Afrikaans poetry collection edited by Charl-Pierre Naudé, My Ousie is ‘n Blom, was launched at the Irma Stern Museum last night. A slightly bemused Valiant Swart - a rock artist who rarely, one suspects, plays sedate poetry gigs - and a deadly serious David Ferguson provided musical entertainment (on the acoustic guitar and harmonica/electro-modulator, respectively).
Yabadaka Shamah
Keep reading »
2 comments »
My Ousie is ‘n Blom, which began life as an issue of Karapaks (an all-Afrikaans Carapace), but grew into a fully-shelled project for Snail Press, will be launched on Thursday, 7 September, at the Irma Stern Museum, Cecil Road, Rosebank (map). Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
The poetry collection includes work by Breyten Breytenbach, Antjie Krog, Alfred Schaffer and Riedwaan Solomons, among many others; and the launch will feature live music by Valiant Swart and David Ferguson.
My Ousie is ‘n Blom was edited by Charl-Pierre Naudé and illustrated by Karlien de Villiers. Please RSVP to Gus Ferguson if you’d like to attend the launch: snaily@pulsar.co.za or (021) 762 3714.
No comments »
Today’s Sunday Independent ran a review, by the South African poet Ingrid de Kok, of The New Suffolk Hymnbook (Jacana/Snail Press, 2006), which was based on her introduction of the novel at its 19 June Cape Town Book Fair launch. The review is available online to the Independent’s subscribers only - click here for the story if you subscribe - but here is the full text of de Kok’s original speech:
The New Suffolk Hymnbook Considered
by Ingrid de Kok
It is a pleasure to be participating in the launch of The New Suffolk Hymnbook. I read Ben Oswest’s novel some years ago in manuscript form, and thought then that it was a startling and unique achievement. On a second reading, I feel even more intrigued and impressed. I can’t pretend to claim that I entirely understand this radical book - but I think one of the purposes of the book is to confront the very idea of “entire understanding” . At the same time as it engages us every step of its way, the book questions the solidity of its own surfaces and the nature of its own evidence. It dislodges expectation and leaves one half knowing, half confused, as if in a dream whose meaning is elusive but full of portents.
Keep reading »
No comments »
I’ve posted pics from last night’s launch - see the Cape Town Book Fair Photo Set. It was a splendid occasion, with a very funny speech from Gus Ferguson, a very formidable explication of my convoluted writing from Ingrid de Kok (which she’s been gracious enough to agree to let me post, later this week), and a short reading from myself, from the novel’s chapter five, “Piety” (pp. 119-121).
Many books were sold, and signed - a good start. Thanks very much to organizers Caroline and team (of Jacana Media), and to all who came, I was thrilled that the evening went so well.
With Di Oliver, Gus Ferguson and Mary Burton
1 comment »
