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Leslie Tate is to be thanked for this post as his interview with Kate Innes caught my eye…
It was the mention of Zimbabwe that drew me in, only to discover that Kate has South African links too. Although not explicitly discussed in connection with Kate’s books, she does mention the influence her experiences in Africa have had on her. It is a continent that draws one in and teaches much – if you care to listen.
Africa has had a huge influence on TSL too, with a number of our authors either living on the continent, or from there – writing a mix of local and global stories: novels, short stories and poetry, non-fiction…all come ‘out of Africa’.
Take a peak and see what grabs your interest… (and please, try and buy from the author direct or a little shop).
Peter Sternberg was born in Germany during the time of Hitler, however, the family was lucky enough to emigrate to Zimbabwe when Peter was four. He lived most of his life in Gatooma (Kadoma) before moving with his wife to Harare and then Cape Town, South Africa. Peter died in London in January 2017 before his books were published. He was an active member of Jewish communities as recorded by the South African Jewish Report.
Bhupendra (1952-2019) grew up in Kenya, East Africa, moving to the United Kingdom during the 1970s. He lived in Pinner, Middlesex and was a member of Harrow Writers’ Circle until it closedin 2019.
Bhupendra wrote for pleasure and pastime, sense of achievement, noting that doing something creative such as writing fiction takes one to another world which can be quite enjoyable.
His advice to aspiring authors is to maybe start with a short story – it can be difficult – but one could refer to personal experiences. Books are important for researching non-fiction and an inspiration for fiction.
Favourite authors include: PG Wodehouse for the humour, AJ Cronin for the poignant storytelling (though often tragic endings), Indian author RK NARAYAN who wrote one of his favourites made into a successful Indian film The Guide, Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim.
His best other reads are Uncle Dynamite by PG Wodehouse, Crusaders Tomb and the Citadel by Cronin.
Of Kenya Days, Moonlit Nights Bhupendra says his favourite bits include the jungle safari chapter, the real Africa, and some of the poetry and song which hopefully will be appreciated by readers.
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What a wonderful list discovery: historical novels of Africa
Africa, the continent, holds a very special place in the TSL fold – not least because both directors were born there. Although heralding from South Africa, they have visited a number of countries on the continent and have a particular affinity for East Africa. So, it’s not surprising that there are books about Africa and books by African Authors in our catalogue.
One of my favourite reads for 2017 was Zukisa Wanner’s London Cape Town Jo’burg whilst another out of the norm read was White Wahala by Ekow Duker.
The author is an ordinary woman who has not necessarily suffered in the same way her characters have. However, she tasted a not dissimilar pain. She lived squeezed by the nasty sensation of feeling an outsider. She’s travelled across cities and places and occupied many professions to find herself, yet she didn’t feel she quite belonged to somewhere and in some way.
Writing about people’s suffering may be her destiny and her remedy.
An interview with Amna in November 2018.
