The Swimming Lesson and Other Stories by Kobus Moolman.

FORMER ‘Maritzburg resident, Kobus Moolman, is launching his new book, The Swimming Lesson and Other Stories, in the Epworth High Library in Pietermaritzburg at 5.30pm for 6pm on Tuesday, May 2.

Moolman will also be launching the book at Ike’s Books and Collectables, 48a Florida Road, Durban at 1pm for 1.30pm on Saturday, May 6.

Written in a range of styles, voices and genres, each of the ten stories offers original insights into the difficulties of staying afloat.

Whether the challenge is being differently abled (with all the outsider isolation this brings); lower-income family life under unbending patriarchal rule; or being born a female child in an abusive, gendered culture, the narratives are convincing (often humorous) in their portrayal of trapped lives striving for transcendence.

The darkly funny Kiss and the Brigadier invokes the stultifying boredom of small-town life and the captured mentalities of its understimulated citizens; Extracts from a Dispensable Life offers a creative and sensitive reading of the gender violence theme; while the irreverent but never disrespectful Angel Heart ventures into the risky waters of religious send-up.

The Swimming Lesson and Other Stories is a collection that stands out for its unusual perspectives; its frank, often uncomfortable treatment of taboo topics; its creative risk-taking; and its skilful and observant recreation of worlds gone by, which still leave their aftershocks.

Moolman, a multiple award-winning poet, author and playwright, is being hosted by Epworth and UKZN Press.

RSVP for the Epworth launch to: pneethling@epworth.co.za

To attend the Durban launch RSVP to Cedric Sissing via email at cedric@adamsbookscoza or call 082 873 2702.