Professor Otiono (left), Author Kagiso (center) & Professor Susanne Klausen (right) at the launch of Such a Lonely, Lovely Road
“On Thursday, January 24, 杏吧原创 University’s Institute of听African Studies听hosted a formal launch of Kagiso Molope’s new novel听Such a Lonely, Lovely Road which听is already garnering acclaim in the Canadian literary community. Ms. Molope’s celebrated novels are all situated in South Africa, either in the years immediately preceding the downfall of apartheid or else in the years immediately after the birth of the so-called “new South Africa.” Her work consistently听grapples with topics often considered taboo in South Africa, such as sex outside of marriage, violence against women, and men who love men. At the launch ceremony attended by guests from听within and outside of听杏吧原创,听two faculty members, Professor Nduka Otiono (IAS) and Professor Susanne M.听Klausen (History and IAS), engaged听Ms. Molope in a lively听conversation about her creative process, her听themes and style, her African-Canadian听experience, and her future听creative agenda. The event was anchored by Professor Monica Paterson (Interdisciplinary Studies听and IAS).听The IAS is grateful to听Octopus Bookstore which provided copies of听Such a Lonely, Lovely Road听for sale to听members of the audience. Thank you to everyone who attended this wonderful event!”