Books
by Damon Galgut
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The Good Doctor |
An idealistic young man joins a team of doctors in an isolated and failing South African hospital. There are no patients to speak of, and the atmosphere amongst the staff reflects a sense of tension after Apartheid and menace from the surrounding wilderness. Frank, a reluctant friend and room mate, finds his priorities and morals questioned when the menace becomes real and his irritation with the new doctor changes to respect. Beautifully written and many layered.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 25 August 2004) |
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The Promise |
A snapshot of a family, shown from the funerals of a mother, father, sister, and brother. We examine their lives, and most of all, their flaws. Narration of events is often interspersed with asides and comments, often written quite poetically. It reminds one of Middlemarch, but in modern dress. The setting is South Africa, and some history does intrude, but not in the forefront. It is people and not events which drive this story. Compelling.
(Herb Roselle - bwl 116 Spring 2025) |
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