From Library Journal
Though Coetzee ( Foe , Waiting for theBarbarians ) is clearly knowledgeable about recent literary criticism and theory, these seven brief, nuanced essays flaunt no technical jargon; they focus on key aspects of a problematical literature. Coetzee treats the nature of the African landscape, its portrayal by non-African travelers and settlers, and its relation to European romanticism, landscape painting, and writing; the farm novel; various representations of Afrikaans and African languages in other tongues; and the racial symbolism and ideology of blood. In all cases, Coetzee's interest is in the nature and dynamics of colonial (and racist) literature. Most U.S. readers will be unfamiliar with the works discussed; nevertheless they will find this book valuable. Richard Kuczkowski, Dominican Coll., Blauvelt, N.Y.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
