INTERVIEWS WITH EFFERVESCENT WRITERS

Book: Interviews with effervescent writers (2012) Reading this book of interviews with writers made me realise the wide variety of writers and literature in South Africa, and Africa in general. We have to read very widely just to have an idea of the general picture. The editor of this work, Christine Mautjana, states as much in her brief introduction - this is as much a learning process for her, as the readers. Aryan Kaganof as usual shoots from the hip, and strongly calls upon each and every one of us to read. But I was a bit disappointed that he did not really answer a few of the questions, or did not do justice to them. His bibliography is staggering though. Pule Lechesa's interview is powerful and informative. Yes, he is a controversial personality, but his contributions to literature will continue to be appreciated. Bolaji’s interview is very informative too in this work. However I felt that the section was marred by too many unnecessary, rather inane questions. What has Bonny M, for one, got to do with literature? Teboho Letshaba, the young writer in Sesotho, is already among the best. This much can be ascertainned from this work. Hence it is a shame that few people are aware of what he has done for literature. Quite frankly I did not like the interview with Leboela Motopi in this book. There is something unsatisfactory, gushing, inadequate, not so earnest about it. Can we the readers really be sure about his integrity? Happily enough the interview with NMM Duman restores one faith in literature. Here is a remarkable woman who has done great things for African writing. Her interview shows her love with books, good books. She also shows a generosity of spirit, reluctant to criticise, but rather praise other writers. A nice, shrewd lady. - Paul Lothane