The international organization PEN has passed a resolution at its international congress, held a few months ago in the Ukrainian city Lviv. It was all about the Women’s Manifesto, paying attention to women in the world of writing. Margie Orford, active in the International PEN Board and the South African Board talks with Nadia Davids, … Continue reading Margie Orford discusses the women’s manifesto with Nadia Davids
Review of YAMBUKU
Yambuku. Days may have passed that you did not travel to Yambuku. A small place in a hidden corner of the immense country of Congo or Zaïre. There is a small settlement of missionaries from Belgium. They started their work in 1935 and the settlement has grown since. Nuns came from Belgium and settled there … Continue reading Review of YAMBUKU
Dami Ajayi: Journeying Beyond the Geography of Desire
According to this article the Nigerian poet Dami Ajayi is a mixer of different styles and influences in his poetic work. He draws on homebred influences and styles and influences from over the sea. He is a welder of styles of steel.
An Ivoirian writer takes on genital excision: An interview with Fatou Keïta
Fatou Keïta is a writer from Ivory Coast or better Côte d’Ivoire. She has written many books for children and some two novels geared at an older audience. One of these novels talks about the issue of FGM, an issue that is close to the heart of the writer. In this interview she talked about … Continue reading An Ivoirian writer takes on genital excision: An interview with Fatou Keïta
Morland Writing Scholarship 2017 Shortlist
The announcement of a shortlist or a longlist is always an important event. Writers have been waiting with anticipation and trembling and now the names are out. The names on the shortlist 2017 for the Morland Writing Scholarship have been made known. Now we have to wait with further anxiety for the final winner. Read … Continue reading Morland Writing Scholarship 2017 Shortlist
Dankesrede von Hisham Matar
It was not an easy thing to stage resistance against the Nazi regime in Germany. But two siblings did make an attempt, brother and sister Scholl with Die Weisse Rose. Their efforts ended in death. About 25 years ago a literary prize was established carrying their names. This years winner is Hisham Matar, for the … Continue reading Dankesrede von Hisham Matar
books touched by Africa 