RETIRED teacher, Raj Isaac, launched his book titled Reflections. A collection of short stories and flash fiction at The Durban Book Fair in Mitchell Park on Sunday, 4 October.
In a question and answer session with Kiru Naidoo and the audience, the author explained what motivated him to write stories, as well as the themes that they conveyed.
Raj is a former teacher, lecturer and subject advisor and holds a BA (Hons) degree in English and a Masters degree in Education, among other qualifications.
“I find joy in giving words literary shape. My stories focus on people of various hues, backgrounds and faiths, and are based on experience, either personal or vicarious,” he said.
Raj’s love for storytelling was sparked during childhood when he secretly listened to adult stories being told on cold winter nights round a bowlah, a homemade heater comprising a drum containing burning wood and coal.
ALSO READ: KZN bird book launched in Heritage Month
His anthology, Reflections, contains a variety of stories ranging from how a mysterious cat metes out justice to a woman and animal abuser, to how a cynical young man finds love in strange circumstances. It also features Lessons in Xenophobia which was the winning entry in the 2016 Annual Short Story Competition of the South African Writers’ Circle.
The collection of 21 short stories and flash fiction explores themes such as revenge, death, destruction, love, possessiveness, prejudice and hope in personal, thought-provoking and often quirky ways.
While most people are acquainted with short stories, fewer may know about flash fiction. The latter may briefly be defined as a shorter version of the short story, containing the basic elements of setting, character, conflict and resolution.
The book costs R140 and can be purchased from Shamin on 084 549 5152.
Contact Raj on 083 652 1742.
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple
