Johannesburg Stories
Posted May 25, 2017
There are a million stories in the big city. Phaswane Mpe decided to tell the stories of Refentse and Refilwe two aspiring writers from...Category: About the Novel
The Theme of Education Within the Novel
Posted May 23, 2017
The pursuit of formal higher education is a major theme within the novel. As main characters, both Refentse and Refilwe are highly educated with...
What’s in a Name?
Posted May 8, 2017
One interpretation of Mpe’s meticulous description of Hillbrow as a neighborhood, its boundaries and street names is that he not only wanted to paint...
The White Neighborhoods of Johannesburg
Posted May 8, 2017
In the novel, Mpe makes reference to the white northern suburbs/neighborhoods of Johannesburg. He uses the term “The Kitchens” as a euphemism for the...
A Look into Alexandria’s Informal Dwellings
Posted May 2, 2017
In the novel, Mpe also mentions the township of Alexandria. The character Lerato originated from the township. Alexandria township is considered one of the...