Comments on: How to make the truth Palatable

By: Connie Fick

Connie Fick — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 08:58:25 +0000

Thank you. I have struggled with this aspect of writing my truth. I write about post-apartheid South Africa and seem to offend. Love the quote from Brecht.

By: b.e.andre

b.e.andre — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 09:33:57 +0000

In reply to Lyn Farrell. Thank you for your comments. Congratulations on the Luke Bitmead Bursary Award! I think you are right that certain stories are still shied away from, and yet, I suppose, you have to leave the reader with some element of hope. Most of us read for entertainment or enlightenment. We don't pick up a book with the express purpose of being emotionally drained by the end of it, do we? But those stories must also be told in order for people to understand what can go on behind closed doors. Looking forward to finding out how you tackled the difficult themes.

By: Lyn Farrell

Lyn Farrell — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:13:40 +0000

This looks amazing and I have just bought it. I am such a supporter of tough subjects being brought to the fore and I think what you have done is needed. I am always saying ‘we need more stories like this, not less.’ Fiction is one of the best places to create voices for those without power and to direct the way their stories are told. You should be very proud of what you’ve achieved with this.

Your book having a central child character really resonates with me – my own novel has a child – suffering horrendous violence and abuse at the hands of her father – at its core. I was told by some agencies ‘it’s too brutal to be saleable’. I understood what they meant but I was quite depressed by the fact that crime genre can have wall to wall murder and body parts and somehow that’s ‘ok’, but stories that explore and express what suffering actually feels like are still shied away from.

I’m glad to say the Luke Bitmead Bursary Award took a chance on me. My story will now stand alongside yours and I feel really honoured about that.

By: b.e.andre

b.e.andre — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 08:15:48 +0000

In reply to Glen Hunting. Thank you. Please come and check out on Facebook (link above in article) what happened to the refugees who provided the inspiration for the novel. The videos showing how they organised themselves into communities are a revelation.

By: Glen Hunting

Glen Hunting — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 11:37:35 +0000

Excellent article. Your novel and your experience sound very compelling.

By: Christina Combs

Christina Combs — Mon, 11 May 2015 20:33:36 +0000

For many reasons, i.e., historical and personal, I am going to read this. Add fit the FBI’s JC – embarrassing! Thank you for the insights.

By: b.e.andre

b.e.andre — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 22:28:04 +0000

In reply to Tracey Curzon-Manners. I can't comprehened what it happening in the Mediterranean at all. Where did the humanity of the leaders of the EU disappear?

By: Tracey Curzon-Manners

Tracey Curzon-Manners — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 14:36:57 +0000

I was just discussing the plight of the refugees crossing the Mediterranean with my husband after watching the news; I said it reminded me of the Nazi campaign against the Jews and people do not flee in large numbers for no good reason. We would do well to take heed,listen and assist before it’s too late because as you rightly point out; what use is a memorial?

Thank you for sharing.

By: Diane DeBella

Diane DeBella — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 14:14:13 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing this insight. We often struggle when trying to find an effective way to express painful truths.

Diane