Global Tales : Stories from Many Cultures

by Beverley Naidoo

These sixteen stories by new and internationally-known writers reveal a rich diversity of story telling. They offer a variety of forms, settings, contexts, characters, themes and language in stories that are both accessible and challenging. Authors R.K. Narayan, Beverley Naidoo, Mildred D Taylor, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Anita Desai. Paperback 168pp

Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

About the author

Beverley Naidoo was born in South Africa on 21 May 1943 and grew up under apartheid. As a student, she began to question the apartheid regime and was later arrested for her actions as part of the resistance movement in South Africa. In 1965 she went into exile, going to England. She married another South African exile; they have two children.

Reviews

[Erwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had expected a bit more from this. It was nevertheless worth reading. A couple of good short stories which I might use in class.

[Skrtt · Rating 4 out of 5]

yess humour me with these little anecdotes

[Dante Rassler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert and the dog: 4/5

[Priscila Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read it for my final exam, I really enjoyed it though.
There are really good stories. "Robert and the Dog", and "More than just the Disease" were my favorites.

[Christelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in 1999.

[Seb Glints · Rating 3 out of 5]

13 - A book set in a different country

After the last book I read, I refused to be completely disappointed by books of short stories. I like short stories in a way. I've even written a few, they're entertaining and they send out a message in just a few words. So I grabbed this book, which was sitting there on a shelf, and realised it was perfect both for the purpose of the challenge and for me personally to overcome disappointment. This is a book from stories from all around the world, from different countries. Which is quite silly, really, I don't even think I've read so many books that happened in Buenos Aires, my own city. Why would you read about a place you already know?
Anyway, so, very, very contrary to A Book of Shorter Stories, THESE stories in this book were quite good. I had a different reaction for all of them. They're focused on learning as well, but in a much more advanced way, and they treat subjects like politics, religion, racism, child abuse and a lot more, and in the form of fictional stories. There's different dialects, and different cultures. It's really what I would have expected from a short story book.
There was this one story that really provoked a negative reaction in me. It's called Robert and The Dog by Ken Saro-Wiwea. I really thought the ending was disgusting. It was so unnecessary, the story could have been perfect without that ending. I felt really sad after reading it. This doesn't make it a bad story though, although I would have never picked it in a million years.
Anyway, pretty good selection.

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Reading Challenge can be found here:

[Tazar Oo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focus on Plot, character, setting,context, language and theme. Interesting and nice stories, including "The Astrologer's Day".
I like to translate although it's rather difficult.

[Yvette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only read a select few stories from this book. I found all of them captivating. Definitely would like to read the rest of them too.

[Abdullah Khalid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just interesting folk tales.

[Aisha Joomun · Rating 5 out of 5]

nothings