This Life

I received a copy of this from the publisher. This was a lovely, quiet book that reflects on life an memory. It is a slow moving book, but one well worth the read.

Karel Schoeman is an acclaimed South African writer, and this excellent translation from the Afrikaans of his novel from the wonderful Archipelago Books is a real delight. Sussie, a now elderly woman, is bedridden and close to death. As she lies there she looks back over her life to remember and try to make sense of all that happened. It’s a lyrical, almost incantatory, book, an elegy for a life not lived, a life full of isolation, betrayal, loss and violence that Sussie mentally absented herself from in self-defence. Always on the outside looking in, not always understanding what is happening around her, hers is a sad and melancholy tale. I also enjoyed the descriptions of life in South Africa, particularly in the Karoo, from before the Boer War up to modern times. A haunting and atmospheric tale.

*This Life* by Karel Schoeman is a novel that offers a profound exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time. The story follows the life of a protagonist who reflects on his past and the events that have shaped his present. Through a series of introspective and evocative passages, Schoeman delves into the complexities of personal history and the ways in which individuals come to terms with their experiences. The novel examines themes of loss, existential reflection, and the search for meaning in the face of life's inevitable changes. Schoeman’s writing is known for its lyrical quality and its deep engagement with the inner workings of the human psyche, providing a contemplative and moving narrative.