"David Attwell gives a strikingly fresh and illuminating reading of a century of black South African writing. Lively, probing, theoretically sure-footed, generous in spirit, this book represents the very best of the new wave of South African scholarship and criticism." "The scholarship here is of the highest order, and it is presented in a readable and often gripping style, with factual detail and literary analysis at all times serving the purpose of the larger argument. This is a richly detailed, theoretically sophisticated, elegantly written, and politically astute study." (Research in African Literatures) "This is a richly detailed, theoretically sophisticated, elegantly written, and politically astute study that deserves a place on the shelves of anyone interested in the culture of South Africa, past or present." (author of The Singularity of Literature) "For those of us who often teach aspects of South African literature, this is the book we have been waiting for." (author of The Whale Caller) "It is a timely choice and a searing story, and (Attwell) presents and articulates his fine insights into neglected works with a humility that is passionate, generous, profound, enlightening, and politically sensitive. Summing Up: Essential.

" (CHOICE).