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Jonathan Ball

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Rian Malan’s New Book: Resident Alien

Resident AlienTwenty years ago Rian Malan wrote the best-selling book My Traitor’s Heart. Readers were both entranced and repelled by a remarkable book that cut to the heart of South Africa with its honesty and power. It still sells today.

Malan’s new book, Resident Alien, is a provocative and engaging collection of the best of his writings that have appeared in the likes of the New Yorker, Rolling Stone and Esquire since My Traitor’s Heart.

Crisscrossing South Africa – and further afield – in a quest to understand the land and continent of his birth, Malan does time with an extraordinary cast of characters: from vigilantes and outlaws to beauty queens and truckers; from Sol Kerzner to Jackie Selebi; from JM Coetzee to the last Afrikaner in Tanzania.

Never one to avoid getting his hands dirty, nor shy of controversy, Malan’s writing has landed him in hot water from just about everyone. Whether taking on the music industry, the government, or spending time with the AIDS denialists, he has earned the enmity of all.

But Malan’s honesty, his unwavering support for the underdog, and the unique power of his prose, make him one of South Africa’s most important writers.

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Recent comments:

  • <a href="http://kevinbloom.book.co.za" rel="nofollow">Kevin</a>
    Kevin
    September 14th, 2009 @15:52 #
     
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    Was privileged to read the manuscript a few months ago. Don't mean to fall prey to hyperbole, but this is easily the finest collection of journalism ever published by a local writer...

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  • <a href="http://book.co.za" rel="nofollow">Ben - Editor</a>
    Ben - Editor
    September 14th, 2009 @16:53 #
     
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    Looking forward to reading it, Kevin. Will probably have Bongani Madondo's Hot Type in the back of my mind as I do - another fine collection.

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  • <a href="http://bentrovato.book.co.za" rel="nofollow">Ben Trovato</a>
    Ben Trovato
    September 17th, 2009 @21:36 #
     
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    I have never heard such nonsense in my entire life. My new book - Still On The Run - is easily the finest collection of journalism ever published by a local writer.
    Anyone who wishes to disagree can meet me on the Camps Bay sports field at 8am on Thursday. AR, clean the weapons and bring a fresh bottle of vodka.

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  • <a href="http://helenmoffett.book.co.za" rel="nofollow">Helen</a>
    Helen
    September 17th, 2009 @21:44 #
     
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    I wouldn't dream of disagreeing. I don't do early mornings, you see.

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  • ar
    ar
    September 17th, 2009 @22:32 #
     
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    Yeth, Marthter.

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  • <a href="http://richarddenooy.book.co.za" rel="nofollow">Richard de Nooy</a>
    Richard de Nooy
    September 18th, 2009 @08:04 #
     
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    Don't forget the digital video camera, AR. I think Zukiswa's new marketing strategy is starting to take shape. Next week's bout will see Bongani "Hot Type" Madondo taking on Kevin "Ways of Slaying" Bloom over ten rounds, with pencils.

    Soft pencils.

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  • <a href="http://kevinbloom.book.co.za" rel="nofollow">Kevin</a>
    Kevin
    September 18th, 2009 @09:40 #
     
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    Ben, have just had a word with Rian. The challenge is accepted, but Camps Bay is felt to be slightly naff. How about the Parkhurst Scout Hall after Wednesday night's NA meeting?

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  • <a href="http://richarddenooy.book.co.za" rel="nofollow">Richard de Nooy</a>
    Richard de Nooy
    September 18th, 2009 @10:10 #
     
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    I think we need to take this bout to Sun City for maximum impact.

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  • <a href="http://helenmoffett.book.co.za" rel="nofollow">Helen</a>
    Helen
    September 18th, 2009 @11:13 #
     
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    Sun City way too naff. The Grand Parade?

    I wish to bar actual weapons. Both protagonists have tongues that are quite sharp enough, we don't want any bystanders getting cut. I propose that Rian and Ben T down a papsak each, wearing woolly hats. The first to be given a voucher for the Service Dining Room by a concerned bypasser wins. If Ben-T wins, Rian has to get a really close shave (the Gillette kind). If Rian wins, Ben-T has to take off his hat. Both to be photographed after this ritual humiliation.

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  • <a href="http://bentrovato.book.co.za" rel="nofollow">Ben Trovato</a>
    Ben Trovato
    September 18th, 2009 @12:03 #
     
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    Manenberg. Tik pipes at dawn.

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  • ar
    ar
    September 18th, 2009 @15:11 #
     
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    Gosh. Why must it always be so extreme. I suggest the Spur, Beaufort Wes.

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