Fools and Other Stories (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this collection of five lean, earthy stories, Ndebele examines the complexities of life for black South Africans confined to that country's numerous townships. He displays an impressive deftness at creating interesting, if not always attractive, characters. The narratives concern the effects of apartheid on those who impose it and those who are subjected to its iron rule. The powerful title story deals with the very different but equally devastating effects of racism on a dissolute old school teacher and one of his former students who has become an activist. While the weight of apartheid is felt by every character here, it is not an immediate, easily quantified presence. Ndebele subtly conveys the complex methods of survival and resistance that black South Africans have been compelled to devise. His insights give weight and meaning to these impressive tales.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The five stories in this fine first collection are set in the black South African township of Charterston, where the author himself grew up. Without sentimentality or redundant stridency, they depict the black struggle for survival and human dignity under the evils of apartheid. Ndebele's acute ear for dialogue and his eye for telling visual detail enable him to evoke township life with remarkable immediacy for the non-South African reader. He also has a special talent for portraying the complex relationships between children and adults. The novella-length title story "Fools" is the prize of the collection, but the four shorter pieces are also of high quality. Recommended for African and fiction collections. Peter Sabor, English Dept., Queen's Univ . , Kingston, Ont.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Readers International; First edition. edition (June 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930523199
• ISBN-13: 978-0930523190
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,927,764 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent stories!, March 13, 2007

By	D. Goodpasture "www.betzalelstudio.com" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fools & Other Stories (Paperback)

The stories in this collection are vignettes of South African lives masterfully written. I was very impressed with how well developed the characters are. I read this book for a grad course under a grueling deadline, but still found it very enjoyable.

5.0 out of 5 stars it's a smashing south african success., December 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Fools & Other Stories (Paperback)

Njabulo Ndebele's "Fools and Other Stories" is masterfully written. An enchanting blend of traditional South African storytelling and riveting modern prose, Ndebele poetically tells of the post-apartheid struggle that plagues his nation. A must read for any fan of Coetzee or Gordimer.