Novelist and playwright Zakes Mda's Ways of Dying was a big hit in his native South Africa, where it was even adapted into a jazz opera. Toloki is a Professional Mourner, making a meager living by attending funerals in the violent city where he lives. In his ratty suit he adds "an aura of sorrow and dignity," often serving as peacemaker when fights break out...
Ways of Dying was my favorite book in 2004, bb (before blog). It's South African magical realism, wickedly funny, optimistic, entertaining, serious, beautiful (and only 210 pages long...great for airplane trip). Highly recommended.
1 comment:
If you like African realism, you should check out "Disgrace" by J. M. Coetze.
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