Books: Off To Timbuktu For Lockdown List

Timbuktu. A desert destination on a map that has always beckoned exploring in the past. Search engine optimisation directs one to the door of the erstwhile centre of Islamic culture synonymous with the existence of historical ancient manuscripts. Apparently it was once known as bustling hub along the trans-Saharan caravan route where the likes of gold and salt and, sadly, slaves were traded. Also that mysterious location tagged when using the age-old expression that vaguely attempts to sweepingly state vastness of distance in African geographical terms.

After some deliberation about half a decade ago it was decided upon as the chosen name for a book club that has become an institution in Polokwane, built up and kept alive by the reading kind sharing a burning passion for literature. They don’t only devour books by the dozen; their biweekly platform is a stage for engagement and argument stemming from lively discussions on much more than books and the occasional interaction with visiting authors. One can only expect the unexpected when going to a session. It's not the kind of place where tea and biscuits are served afterwards.

They were the obvious go-to with the request for a suggested lockdown reading list, facilitated by Molebatsi Masedi who is one of the pioneering spirits of Timbuktu Book Club. He, in turn, called on club content creator Sello Mabotja, who came up with suggestions for books by writers from all corners of the world.

As he explained, literature is diverse. “There are many forms and genres. These must be savoured and explored to the fullest if an avid reader is to enjoy the delight this passion offers. This list is a balanced mix of books which focus on individual self-reflection, politics and the history of the liberation struggle and unprecedented challenging moments and times in the history of humankind as is the case now.

“Others are thrillers, mystery and intrigue rolled into one. Still others offer a nostalgic glimpse into South Africa before the implementation of full-blown apartheid and racial segregation.

“Literary fiction pieces and classics dominate the list because this genre tends to prompt a serious rethink about the state we are in in this cruel crazy world.”

The list, courtesy Timbuktu Book Club:

- The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Milan Kundera

- Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

- The Bonfire Of The Vanities - Tom Wolfe

- Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie

- The God Of Small Things - Arundhati Roy

- The Famished Road - Ben Okri

- The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

- Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy

- Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury

- The Sculptors Of Mapungubwe – Zakes Mda

- The Zulus Of New York - Zakes Mda

- Sigh, The Beloved Country - Bongani Madondo

- The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari – Robin Sharma

- The Leader Who Had No Title – Robin Sharma

- The ‘Drum’ Decade: Stories From The 1950s - edited by Michael Chapman

- Bitches’ Brew - Fred Khumalo

- Fannie Fourie’s Lobola- Nape ‘a Motana

- Are You Afraid Of The Dark? - Sidney Sheldon

- Cyril Ramaphosa - Anthony Butler

- My Own Liberator – Dikgang Moseneke

- My Traitor’s Heart - Riaan Malan

- The Number - Jonny Steinberg

- Selected Poems by W.B. Yeats

- Pablo Neruda: A Passion For Life - Adam Feinstein.

To conclude, some great news… Timbuktu Book Club has teamed up with elephants+baobabs to start sharing their weekly book reviews in future. Whoop whoop!

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