A Tribute to Zoe Wicomb

I came across her work when I was doing research for my PhD novel. What struck me about her was the mention of the shame of Coloured people, a hidden, sensitive topic.

Being of the same racial category as Wicomb in the hierarchical world created by apartheid, I wanted to include this shame in my unpublished novel, The Buried Chameleon. I have completed the novel and it indeed has a scene or two about shame.

This shame appears to be prevalent in slave societies that have been emancipated. My take on the topic is less academic and somewhat saucy:

The master said to the slave, “Will you carry my shame?” And the slave said, “YES Seur!” bending forward to receive it on his overburdened back.

Most people that I share this cheeky interpretation with respond by saying either that I hate certain people, or frown in disapproval. My shocked and surprised response is always “Really?”

Now, when will there be another conversation along the lines of:

“Slave come here, I want to tell you something. I have reviewed my actions and hereby wish to reclaim my shame.”

Ahem. If you are offended …

To get back to Wicomb, I’ve read most of her oeuvre and was pleasantly surprised to see a positive comment by Toni Morison. When I was looking for writers to emulate in my work I had discovered a deep connection with Morison. I appreciate her commitment to telling it like it is, truthfully, without the built-in excuses that sometimes characterises the work of writers who have one eye on pleasing the establishment.

As a tribute to the great writer Zoe Wicomb I have set myself the task of rereading all her work again.

Rest in peace.