A review by jayisreading
Innards: Stories by Magogodi oaMphela Makhene

challenging dark medium-paced

3.75

This was a tough short story collection for me to get through. Nothing was wrong with it; it was more a "it's not you, it's me" situation that I couldn't quite get into any of the short stories. Despite this, though, I fully recognize the brilliance in Makhene's writing. The imagery in these stories is vivid and startling, with distinct descriptions that fluidly move between languages, including varieties of the English language. There was an interesting exploration of primarily Black life in South Africa (mostly Soweto) under and post-apartheid, particularly the not-so-pretty aspects of it. As the title suggests, there's a grimy and gritty feel to these stories that is felt across time. In many ways, this is exactly what Makhene is highlighting about apartheid, which is to come to terms with the ugliness of its lasting ramifications.

I think there's far more to be said about this collection than I'm able to describe, especially when it comes to motifs. I just think a lot of it flew over my head due to my woefully limited knowledge of South African history and politics.

I believe Makhene is a voice to pay attention to, and while this collection didn't quite work for me, I'd be eager to read more of her writing in the future.
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