Red Apple Dreams and Other Stories

by Siphiwo Mahala

Red Apple Dreams and Other Stories is a compilation of fifteen stories — eleven penned by Siphiwo Mahala and four by guest authors. The stories range from the 1950s to the present era, from rural to urban landscapes, and interrogate both marginal and complex topical issues like the land question. This compilation blends fresh and classic stories into an intertextual feast – in which Mahala and guest contributors showcase and respond to time-honoured works by Can Themba, James Matthews and Njabulo Ndebele.

214 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Nerine Dorman]

Can't rate because I proofread this. But I can say how much I enjoyed reading this collection of short stories – especially revisiting Can Themba's The Suit. I recommend for anyone who loves African literature.

[Jesse Griesel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mahala captures the political essence of a post-colonial south africa by hand-picking stories that translate this through a keenly childish eye. i am particularly captured by the ability to include classic contemporary south african short-story authors such can themba and blend such stories with reactionary new-age authors such as zukiswa wanner. there tends to be a great lack of 'normal' south african stories that do not attempt to westernize themselves, and this collection of short-stories is a great substitute to fill that void.

[Lwazi Bangani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Apple Dreams & Other Stories is a compilation of relatable short stories which will make you experience a great deal of nostalgia if you are from South Africa.

Infused with valuable local history the book is also educational in the sense that it taught me of my own heritage. It is not up until I read this book that I learnt of the existence of a harvest festival in the Xhosa culture/tradition.

This was and is a very refreshing read.

[Nelufa Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Very interesting and captivating story lines. It was so well written and had me wanting to know more. First book I have throughly enjoyed in ages.