Somewhere to go: A Collection of Short Stories

Langtry, Stephen

Somewhere to go: A Collection of Short Stories

Thesis / Dissertation

2023

Abstract

This is a collection of inter-related short stories, which recount events in the life of the protagonist, Robert Daniels. Set primarily in Cape Town, the stories follow his journey from childhood into adulthood, exploring themes of identity and belonging. Among other things, the accounts focus on his troubling relationships with women and men, his education from primary school to university, his ambiguous relationship with his family members, and his struggles to make sense of religion. Against the background of a country and city that are changing rapidly, the protagonist reflects on what it means to grow older. He has to work through his conflicted feelings for family, religion, heritage and country. From the loss of innocence as a child to an adult seeking a deeper understanding of himself, he confronts these experiences with humour, patience, and tenderness. The stories of Robert's life provide evidence of human beings' dynamism, their ability to become different persons under different circumstances or in different situations.

Keywords

Creative Writing

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Masters

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