South African London: Writing the Metropolis After 1948

This book explores South African writing in London during the apartheid years and beyond, examining how the city shaped the history of South African letters and provided a platform for writers to engage with their identities and experiences of exile.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Spanning a significant period, from the apartheid years to the present, this book delves into the rich tapestry of South African writing that unfolded in the vibrant city of London. As a hub of exile and emigration, particularly in the second half of the twentieth century, London played a pivotal role in shaping the history of South African letters in profound and tangible ways.

Being in London provided South African writers with an opportunity to engage with their own notions of Englishness and to reexamine their South African identities. The book showcases a diverse array of responses by South African writers, offering nuanced perspectives on exile, global racisms, and modernity.

The writers examined in this book include renowned figures such as Peter Abrahams, Dan Jacobson, Noni Jabavu, Todd Matshikiza, Arthur Nortje, Lauretta Ngcobo, J.M. Coetzee, Justin Cartwright, and Ishtiyaq Shukri. Each of these writers brings their unique voice and perspective to the table, contributing to the rich tapestry of South African London.

Through their narratives, essays, and poetry, they explore the complexities of exile, cultural hybridity, and the search for identity in a changing world. South African London offers readers a captivating journey into the hearts and minds of these talented writers, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of South African history and culture.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526148551