Anticipation is building for the September 2024 release of Siphokazi Jonas's debut poetry collection, "Weeping Becomes a River," published by Penguin Random House. This highly anticipated work promises to be a defining moment in the multi-award-winning writer and performer's career.
Jonas's upbringing, navigating the complexities of a changing South Africa, serves as a rich foundation for her powerful prose. "In 'Weeping Becomes a River,' she confronts the linguistic and cultural alienation experienced as a black learner in former Model C schools in the 1990s and early 2000s," explains the press release. "Then, she fashions the fragments to reclaim and rewrite her place within a lineage of storytellers."
Esteemed film score composer Trevor Jones, in his foreword to the collection, praises Jonas's work: "Her writing has an underlying political relevance, not only as a commentary on the politics of South Africa and her ethnicity but also as an eagerness to address and redress the gender balance." He continues, "In this work, she juxtaposes a mythic story with poems, creating an intriguing world through this unusual narrative form, conjuring up new experiences and realities and triggering ideas that resonate in the reader's mind."
The upcoming months offer numerous opportunities to engage with both the book and the author. "The Open Book Festival looks forward to welcoming Siphokazi back to host as part of their annual literature celebration," taking place from September 6th to 8th. This presents a unique opportunity to "hear from the author herself and enjoy a selection of works that make up this gripping collection."
Secure your limited pre-order and autographed copies of "Weeping Becomes a River" at https://siphokazijonas.com/ and prepare to be captivated by Jonas's powerful and timely exploration of identity, belonging, and the power of language.
Jonas's upbringing, navigating the complexities of a changing South Africa, serves as a rich foundation for her powerful prose. "In 'Weeping Becomes a River,' she confronts the linguistic and cultural alienation experienced as a black learner in former Model C schools in the 1990s and early 2000s," explains the press release. "Then, she fashions the fragments to reclaim and rewrite her place within a lineage of storytellers."
Esteemed film score composer Trevor Jones, in his foreword to the collection, praises Jonas's work: "Her writing has an underlying political relevance, not only as a commentary on the politics of South Africa and her ethnicity but also as an eagerness to address and redress the gender balance." He continues, "In this work, she juxtaposes a mythic story with poems, creating an intriguing world through this unusual narrative form, conjuring up new experiences and realities and triggering ideas that resonate in the reader's mind."
The upcoming months offer numerous opportunities to engage with both the book and the author. "The Open Book Festival looks forward to welcoming Siphokazi back to host as part of their annual literature celebration," taking place from September 6th to 8th. This presents a unique opportunity to "hear from the author herself and enjoy a selection of works that make up this gripping collection."
Secure your limited pre-order and autographed copies of "Weeping Becomes a River" at https://siphokazijonas.com/ and prepare to be captivated by Jonas's powerful and timely exploration of identity, belonging, and the power of language.
