J.M. Coetzee at the National Library

‘Advances’ is often amused by prognostications about the demise or disengagement of fiction. 2005 has already proved to be an auspicious year for new Australian fiction. And there’s more to come! This month, J.M. Coetzee, the remarkable South African writer will publish his new novel, Slow Man. UK publication will follow the book’s local release by a week, though the novel has already been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. There are so many surprises in Mr Coetzee’s new novel that it would be wrong to discuss them here, except to say that the book is set in Adelaide, where he has lived for some time, and that Elizabeth Costello, the eponymous character in his previous novel, makes another appearance, bossy as ever. James Ley, who discussed J.M. Coetzee’s oeuvre in his essay ‘The Tyranny of the Literal’ in our April issue, will review the novel next month.

Last year, we had an opportunity to hear J.M. Coetzee when ABR hosted a memorable event at the Melbourne Town Hall. We are delighted to be able to do so again at the National Library of Australia on Sunday, October 23 (at 2 p.m.). ‘An Afternoon with J.M. Coetzee’ will undoubtedly sell out quickly, so you are well advised to book early. Ring the National Library on (02) 6262 1271.

The cost of this event is $15. ABR always discounts or waives charges for its subscribers. On this occasion, current subscribers are entitled to a single gratis ticket (don’t forget to cite your subscriber number). Lapsed subscribers or those who have mysteriously resisted to date should subscribe now (via ABR’s office, not the National Library). As well as receiving the Review with a considerable saving off the cover price, you also get to hear some of the world’s finest authors, including J.M. Coetzee. Go to it!

Aspects of Australian Life