Private Excavations – David Robbins

Description

Private Excavations by David Robbins is a thought-provoking travel memoir that delves into the historical and contemporary impact of religious fundamentalism, specifically Pietism. The book takes readers on a journey through Germany, Sweden, and Norway, exploring the roots of fundamentalist Christianity and its influence on Robbins’ Scandinavian ancestors, who came to South Africa as missionaries. The author’s exploration is sparked by the political upheaval in Natal-KwaZulu during the 1980s, and he weaves his personal investigation into a broader narrative about the intersection of history, religion, and identity.

Robbins’ journey is enriched by his deep interest in the lives of two famous Scandinavians—playwright August Strindberg and artist Edvard Munch—and their own connections to Pietism. His personal exploration of his ancestors gives the book a sense of intimacy and emotional depth, as he examines the way fundamentalist beliefs have shaped both his family’s past and the world at large.

Private Excavations is ideal for readers who are interested in history, religious studies, and memoirs that combine personal narrative with cultural and political exploration. It offers profound insights into how personal history intersects with global ideologies.