by Nadine Gordimer
I still trust in the Nobel committee in Sweden. Therefore I always wanted to read nadine Gordimer. This year I saw also a discussion with her on BookTV in the U.S., I saw a very impressive old lady who expressed her ideas in a uniquely sharp manner. Another reason for me to read her is that she lived in the South-African, racial dictatorship. Oppressive conditions seems to produce art of paramount significance.
So many good reasons to read her beforehand an done reason why I want more now: I must read it in German because I did not understand all the subtleties in the English version. Her sharp and short style just calls – or requires – full understanding of each word.
Here comes a short synopsis of the plot: young, south-african woman in the early thirties tries to reject her upper class roots. She picks up an illegal immigrant from an backwards Arab country. Actually that is the question: whom does pick up whom and for what reason. He gets deported and she decides to life with him in his desert village with the huge traditional family. The second part of the book takes place there and it gives an insight into the life of desert people and their values. It is really an attempt to describe a traditional Muslim society without falling into the trap to demonise or even glorify them. In a deeper level it is a travel to the souls of the two main characters. What do they really want from life. The desert itself plays a mayor role in it.
So many good reasons to read her beforehand an done reason why I want more now: I must read it in German because I did not understand all the subtleties in the English version. Her sharp and short style just calls – or requires – full understanding of each word.
Here comes a short synopsis of the plot: young, south-african woman in the early thirties tries to reject her upper class roots. She picks up an illegal immigrant from an backwards Arab country. Actually that is the question: whom does pick up whom and for what reason. He gets deported and she decides to life with him in his desert village with the huge traditional family. The second part of the book takes place there and it gives an insight into the life of desert people and their values. It is really an attempt to describe a traditional Muslim society without falling into the trap to demonise or even glorify them. In a deeper level it is a travel to the souls of the two main characters. What do they really want from life. The desert itself plays a mayor role in it.
Facts:
English title: The Pickup
Original title: The Pickup
Published: 2001
