South Africa

2003 was a good year for South African literature, particularly for fiction. Many well-written books appeared and South African authors were nominated for many international awards. The most visible was J.M. Coetzee who received the Nobel prize for literature. In addition, three South African authors were long-listed for the Booker Prize, and both of the Africa region prizes of the Commonwealth Writers Prize went to South Africans. Two early South African novels were turned into films, Olive Schreiner’s The Story of an African Farm and Rider Haggard’s King Solomon’s Mines. A notable feature of the fiction published was the blurring of boundaries between fiction and non-fiction, particularly evident in the many autobiographical novels appearing, and between adult and teenage fiction. Authors continue to explore aspects of identity, for individuals and for the country. This year sees less emphasis on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and on accounts of anti-apartheid struggle, although these do still appear. There is instead increasing interest in novels exploring transition, as individuals and communities face change and must come to terms with the New South Africa. This can also be seen in the many books using young protagonists. Many other authors turn to the past, with a number of historical novels. Another interesting feature is the upsurge of debut novels, particularly by women writers. When J.M. Coetzee’s latest book, Elizabeth Costello, was nominated for the Booker Prize it prompted speculation that he might become the South Africa