Author launches short-story collection

Lusanda Zokufa

The Market Theatre will soon launch a collection of short stories by Siphiwo Mahala, titled Red Apple Dreams and Other Stories.

  In this book, Mahala is in the company of prominent South African authors including Can Themba, James Matthews, Njabulo Ndebele and Zukiswa Wanner. Known for his excellent re-imagination of Themba’s The Suit, which is also featured in this collection, Mahala recasts fresh perspectives on Matthews’s classic story, The Park, and embarks on an intergenerational dialogue with other prominent South African writers.

  Red Apple Dreams is a compilation of Mahala’s best stories, some new and others previously published in different anthologies. It retraces his journey in literary apprenticeship over nearly 20 years.

  “This is my most important book, not only because it features some of my best stories, but also because I am published alongside some of the most distinguished exponents of the short story genre in South Africa,” says Mahala.

  The 15 stories entailed in this publication grapple with a range of themes and settings; from the marginal to topical issues like land reform and race and racism. At times comical, at times intensely emotional, but always captivating, these stories deftly capture the complexity of life in contemporary South Africa with the flair and sensitivity of a master storyteller.

  The launch will be held on 17 October at the Market Theatre.