Recognition: An anthology of South African short stories

The lives of South Africans have always been interwoven in complex ways. Recognition is an exciting anthology of short stories in which twenty-two South African writers, including Nadine Gordimer, Chris van Wyk, H.I.E. Dhlomo, Miriam Tlali and Achmat Dangor render these intricate connections to illuminate aspects of our past and present.

The lives of South Africans have always been interwoven in complex ways. There is a long history of division; but also of profound (and often surprising) instances of mutual recognition. Recognition is an exciting anthology of short stories in which twenty-two South African writers, including Nadine Gordimer, Chris van Wyk, H.I.E. Dhlomo, Miriam Tlali and Achmat Dangor render these intricate connections. The writers use the transformative power of the imagination and the unique appeal of the short story to illuminate aspects of our past and present. Cumulatively their stories tell of a history tainted by misrecognition but not, finally, bound by it. The collection ranges from the 1920s to the twenty-first century and devotes significant attention to the transitional and postapartheid years: almost half the stories were published after 1994. The anthology includes an introduction by David Medalie that traces the motif of recognition, discusses the general characteristics of short stories and the narrative devices used by writers, and includes a brief analysis of each short story. Recognition will appeal to teachers and students of literature. It will be enjoyed by all those who love short stories and appreciate the craftsmanship involved in telling a memorable tale.

Author(s): Pauline Smith , H. I. E. Dhlomo , Herman Charles Bosman, Can Themba, Dan Jacobson, Alex La Guma, Ahmed Essop, Njabulo Ndebele, Zoë Wicomb, Miriam Tlali, Nadine Gordimer, Chris Van Wyk, Mandla Langa, Damon Galgut, Mary Watson, Lindiwe Nkutha, Makhosazana Xaba, Nadia Davids, Achmat Dangor, Wamuwi Mbao, Kobus Moolman

Editor(s): David Medalie