Heart for art and service
SA-born author Richard Mason says writing calls for more than disciplined effort
The novel Who Killed Piet Barol? is a revelation in many senses. Not only is it enlightening in terms of SA history, but it is beguiling in a way that pays tribute to the storytelling finesse of its award-winning author, Richard Mason. This work, his latest in a collection of interrelated stories, inspires me to make more time to read for my own pleasure. But this is not a book review. It’s an account of an interview I had with the author that, after a solid hour, yielded exactly two words in my notebook: Oscar Wilde. Neither Mason nor I can recall the reference, and it was written down before I switched on my voice recorder. If you watch Mason recount the background to the book on YouTube you might understand something of his magic. Despite being a natural storyteller, he says he was surprised that anyone even read his first novel, The Drowning People. Written at the age of 21, it propelled him into the spotlight, a position he doesn’t like much and tries to limit to every five yea...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.