In a Strange Room

by Damon Galgut

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2010

About the author

Damon Galgut was born in Pretoria in 1963. He wrote his first novel, A Sinless Season, when he was seventeen. His other books include Small Circle of Beings, The Beautiful Screaming of Pigs, The Quarry, The Good Doctor and The Impostor. The Good Doctor was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the Dublin/IMPAC Award. The Imposter was also shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. He lives in Cape Town.

Reviews

[Lucy Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of what I said about The Beautiful Screaming of Pigs also applies to this book, which is really a collection of three loosely related stories. The prose is similarly pared-back yet perceptive, and the narrator - a fictionalised approximation of Galgut - has many of the same qualities and insights.

The first story, which follows the narrator's relationship with a fellow traveller as they walk across Lesotho, was the strongest in my opinion. Despite a very basic plot, I never felt I knew what was going to happen next and was obsessed with the tension and will-they-won't-they between the characters. The descriptive writing was also very strong and brought an area of the world I know nothing about to life.

The second story was weak by comparison, I thought - there were a few more characters and that contributed to the story as a whole feeling shallower. The ending also felt like a bit of a cop out although I still enjoyed the observations about group travel and missed connections.

I'd rank the third and final story somewhere between the other two. It felt the most similar to other fiction I've read, going over well-trodden ground about mental illness and caring responsibilities, but it was handled well and without dressing anything up in euphemisms and flowery language. Based on the previous two stories, I should have guessed how it would end, but that didn't stop me hoping for a kinder resolution.

Damon Galgut is 2 for 2 now on writing books I've really loved, and is fast becoming a favourite writer.

[Jack Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely gutted me and left me both upset I even read it and also so angry there wasn't more. Nothing profound to say about it as the book says it all for you. Makes the most amazing experiences seem mundane. Feels so human in a sad way.

Galgut's writing style is unmatched and downright weird.

[Jane Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is slaughter even in paradise”

Ohhhhhh my goodness, this book will stay with me for a while. What a beautiful meditation on identity and the relationship between self and the world around you.

[lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

i felt very unique because i didn't write about this for my final hehe