Where I Was

by James Kelman | Literature & Fiction |
ISBN: 014102304x Global Overview for this book
Registered by Stoepbrak of Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on 1/2/2012
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1 journaler for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by Stoepbrak from Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Monday, January 2, 2012
-- 70 Years Pocket Penguin 19 --

Synopsis (Credit: Back cover)

James Kelman is one of nine Booker Prize winners to feature on Penguin's 2005 publishing schedule -- but in every other way he is unique. His bitingly witty brand of unflinching realism with abrasive, often wildly inventive language has made him one of the most influential writers of his generation not just in Scotland but throughout the world. In Where I Was, Kelman introduces us to a superb collection of memorable characters, down on their luck but far from hopeless.

(Bought second-hand at Help the Rural Child Charity Bookshop, Victoria Road, Mowbray.)

Journal Entry 2 by Stoepbrak at Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa on Monday, January 30, 2012
With this collection of sketches the author places us inside the body and mind of those we don't often have empathy -- let alone identify -- with. Easy reading it isn't; the phrase "unflinching realism" used in the back cover synopsis is an apt description of his style. It's not the reader's sympathy he is after. A better understanding, perhaps; recognition of the humanity behind the sometimes repulsive image; an opportunity to listen to the endless reflections of the marginalised and the lonely.

I liked the paperbag and A Nightboilerman's notes.

Released 12 yrs ago (1/31/2012 UTC) at Government Avenue, Company's Gdn in Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Themed release

Government Avenue runs through The Company's Garden. Despite the fact that sleeping in the area is prohibited, with clear signage to this effect, many homeless people find some form of shelter here after dark.

I sat on one of the other benches, reading The Island of the Day Before by Umberto Eco. It was such a beautiful afternoon, and a good way to finish off the work day. Lots of people walked or cycled past. The book was picked up by someone after about half an hour. If it is the guy I thought it was (it was some way off) he wore a uniform; a security guard perhaps?

If you are new to BookCrossing and found this book, welcome! Enjoy the site, the book, and the BookCrossing community.

BookCrossing has not taken off in a big way in South Africa yet, but there are a number of dedicated BookCrossers across the country who are actively involved to grow the concept. A discussion group for BookCrossers in the wider Cape Town area, BCct, was set up to make it easier to arrange meetups or to spread local news. If you are a BookCrosser from this part of the world or planning a visit, please feel free to join. Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bcct for more information.

Whether you decide to join or not, please make a journal entry — now, and again when you decide to release the book to continue its journey.


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