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| LitNet is ’n onafhanklike joernaal op die Internet, en word as gesamentlike onderneming deur Ligitprops 3042 BK en Media24 bedryf. |
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Homebru 2006 author: Patricia Schonstein
Patricia Schonstein is the author of A Quilt of Dreams, published by Random.
- What does it mean to you to have your writing recognised and
celebrated as "South African"?
It is indeed a great honour.
- As a South African writer / storyteller did you set out to
write a story South Africans will recognise as their own?
Yes, I wrote A Quilt of Dreams in order to examine how ordinary,
regular people played a part, wittingly or unwittingly, in upholding Apartheid.
I also wanted to look at redemption and forgiveness in the same setting.
- What, to you, does a South African story encapsulate?
It is rich with South Africa’s history and beauty, her charisma and
flavour, her diversity of culture, her expansive and wonderful landscape.
And of course her pathos and many struggles.
- Is it possible for a South African's writing to be free of
political and historical influence?
Not really, not if you want the tale to resonate and be rich.
- Is there a writing community in South Africa, or is writing
in this country a solitary journey?
Speaking personally, it is both solitary and alive with people. The actual
writing process is lonely, isolated and hard. But the place from where the
story comes, the place of inspiration, is very much peopled and full of
companionship. I don’t often get to meet and share with other authors,
but when I do, the exchange is always good.
- Who do you think is the most influential South African writer
today? And who is your favourite local author?
I don’t like to choose one above the other. I have been inspired
and impressed by many South African authors and poets. I particularly admire
the poetry of Tatumkulu Afrika.
- If you could choose five works (fiction, non-fiction, poetry,
performance poetry, etc) from South African literature that would be able
to communicate the "South African experience", which five would you choose,
and why?
Transvaal Episode, Bloom; The Plains of Camdeboo, Palmer;
The House of Phalo, Peires; Jock of the Bushveld, FitzPatrick;
Boyhood, Coetzee. This was a difficult choice and I’ve left
out the poets. With each of these books I have been able to see, smell,
feel, understand the terrain, the people and the pathos of the country.
- Have you read any of the other Exclusive Books Homebru 2006
titles?
Yes …. Seven Battles and Red Car Diaries, and I
have just received Bitches’ Brew and Gem Squash Tokoloshe,
which I look forward to reading.
- What makes you a South African?
Spending time in the wilderness; watching the full moon rise; enjoying
the energy of different cultures.
- What is your favourite South Africanism?
Jou ma se … Oh no! I’m only joking! I like Ag
Shame and also Yebo.
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Moenie ons Homebru 2006-kompetisie misloop nie!
Wen 'n lekker Suid-Afrikaanse boekpakkie!
Klik hier om meer uit te
vind. |
LitNet: 31 May 2006
Click here to read
answers of the Homebru 2006 fiction writers
Click here to read
the answers of the Homebru 2006 non-fiction writers
Have your say! To comment on this interview write to webvoet@litnet.co.za,
and become a part of our interactive opinion page.
to the top / boontoe
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