Mafikeng Road and Other Stories by Herman Charles Bosman is a timeless collection of South African short fiction, presented in this Anniversary Edition in the form Bosman originally intended. Set in the rugged Marico District, these stories are narrated by the unforgettable Oom Schalk Lourens—a figure whose humour, irony, and quiet wisdom guide readers through tales of rural life, rich with satire, longing, and humanity. From the tragic Boer War soldier to the leopard of Abjaterskop, and the man who buries his wife beneath the voorkamer floor, Bosman paints vivid portraits of a community at once remote and deeply relatable.
This edition stands out not only for its faithful restoration of Bosman’s original texts but also for its insightful introduction and textual notes, offering readers both new and familiar a fuller appreciation of his work. With its wry social commentary, bittersweet humour, and evocative setting, Mafikeng Road and Other Stories remains a cornerstone of South African literature, showcasing Bosman’s unmatched storytelling flair and his ability to find the universal in the particular.
Mafikeng Road and Other Stories is a must-read for lovers of short fiction, South African literature, and anyone drawn to stories that blend humour with deep emotional insight.
