The Cambridge Introduction to J. M. Coetzee »

The South African novelist and Nobel Laureate J. M. Coetzee is widely studied around the world and attracts considerable critical attention. With the publication of Disgrace, Coetzee began to enjoy popular as well as critical acclaim, but his work can be as challenging as it is impressive. This book is addressed to students and readers of Coetzee: it is an up-to-date survey of the writer's fiction and context, written accessibly for those new to his work. This Introduction will help new readers understand and appreciate one of the most important and challenging authors in contemporary literature.

This book covers:

Life

Works

Contexts

Reception

Cambridge Introductions to Literature

This series is designed to introduce students to key topics and authors. Accessible and lively, these introductions will also appeal to readers who want to broaden their understanding of the books and authors they enjoy.

Ideal for students, teachers and lecturers

Concise, yet packed with essential information

Key suggestions for further reading

Abbreviations page vii

Preface ix

Chapter 1 Coetzee's Life 1

Chapter 2 Coetzee's contexts 22

Chapter 3 Works I 37

Dusklands 38

In the Heart of the Country 43

Waiting for the Barbarians 48

Life and Times of Michael K 55

Foe 61

Age of Iron 66

Chapter 4 Works II 72

The Master of Petersburg 72

Disgrace 77

The Lives of Animals and Elizabeth Costello 81

Slow Man 85

Diary of a Bad Year 90

Chapter 5 Reception 95

Further reading 107

Index 113