Time and Alterity in South African Writing: Andre Brink, J.M. Coetzee, and Zakes Mda Revisited

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a warped, disjointed 'coronatime' that has accelerated and decelerated or frozen. This book provides a chance to reevaluate neoliberalisms temporal regimes of growth, decline, deceleration, and acceleration, focusing on three South African authors and examining contemporary South African revisioning of time and alterity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 326 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

The Covid-19 pandemic has thrown us all into a warped and disjointed 'coronatime', which has both uncontrollably accelerated and interminably decelerated or been frozen. Just like the pandemic, this book provides a chance to reevaluate neoliberalisms temporal regimes of growth, decline, deceleration, and acceleration. South Africa and its contemporary literature are a perfect background against which to think about temporality experimentally. Focusing on three South African authors, André Brink, J.M. Coetzee, and Zakes Mda, the book examines contemporary South African revisioning of time and alterity. Through some of the previously unexplored texts, it studies what living in a post-conflict, post-revolutionary, and highly traumatized society entails for one's perception of time and otherness.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a unique and challenging time, characterized by a mixture of uncontrollable acceleration and prolonged stagnation. In this unprecedented context, this book offers an opportunity to reassess neoliberal temporal regimes of growth, decline, deceleration, and acceleration. South Africa serves as an ideal backdrop for such an exploration, as its contemporary literature provides a fertile ground for experimenting with temporality.

By examining the works of three prominent South African authors, André Brink, J.M. Coetzee, and Zakes Mda, the book delves into the contemporary reimagining of time and alterity in South Africa. Through the analysis of previously unexplored texts, it sheds light on the experiences of living in a society that has undergone profound conflict, revolution, and trauma. The book explores how these historical events have shaped individuals' perceptions of time and their relationship with the Other.

The authors' narratives and characters provide a rich tapestry of insights into the complexities of temporality in South Africa. André Brink's novel, The Heart of the Matter, for instance, explores the aftermath of apartheid and the struggles of reconciliation in a post-conflict society. J.M. Coetzee's novel, Disgrace, delves into the aftermath of colonialism and the complexities of identity in a post-revolutionary setting. Zakes Mda's novel, The Man Who Fell to Earth, portrays a futuristic society grappling with the consequences of technological advancement and the loss of human connection.

Through its exploration of these diverse narratives, the book offers a profound reflection on the nature of time and its role in shaping our understanding of the world. It challenges traditional notions of linear progress and highlights the complexities and disruptions that arise in times of crisis. Moreover, it sheds light on the ways in which individuals and societies navigate these temporal challenges, employing various strategies to adapt and thrive.

In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic has presented us with a unique opportunity to reevaluate our temporal regimes and explore new ways of understanding the world. This book provides a valuable contribution to this discourse by examining the temporal dynamics in South Africa and its contemporary literature. By delving into the experiences of individuals living in a post-conflict, post-revolutionary, and highly traumatized society, it offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the complexities of temporality.

Weight: 491g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631863343
Edition number: New ed