Professor Otiono (left), Author Kagiso (center) & Professor Susanne Klausen (right) at the launch of Such a Lonely, Lovely Road
“On Thursday, January 24, Carleton University’s Institute of African Studies hosted a formal launch of Kagiso Molope’s new novel Such a Lonely, Lovely Road which is already garnering acclaim in the Canadian literary community. Ms. Molope’s celebrated novels are all situated in South Africa, either in the years immediately preceding the downfall of apartheid or else in the years immediately after the birth of the so-called “new South Africa.” Her work consistently grapples with topics often considered taboo in South Africa, such as sex outside of marriage, violence against women, and men who love men. At the launch ceremony attended by guests from within and outside of Carleton, two faculty members, Professor Nduka Otiono (IAS) and Professor Susanne M. Klausen (History and IAS), engaged Ms. Molope in a lively conversation about her creative process, her themes and style, her African-Canadian experience, and her future creative agenda. The event was anchored by Professor Monica Paterson (Interdisciplinary Studies and IAS). The IAS is grateful to Octopus Bookstore which provided copies of Such a Lonely, Lovely Road for sale to members of the audience. Thank you to everyone who attended this wonderful event!”