And a Threefold Cord

And a Threefold Cord is a 1964 novel by South African novelist Alex la Guma. The novel is La Guma's second, and is not heavily reviewed by critics.^[1] The novel is set in the Cape Flats, an impoverished area near Cape Town.^[1]

The novel follows an unemployed protagonist, thematically exploring the opportunity for solidarity amongst the oppressed peoples in the apartheid regime, making the book a critique of apartheid South Africa.^[2] Many critiques highlight the novels effective social history and social commentary: the novel represents economic conditions true to the Western Cape during the 60s, where housing shortages effected a number of displaced workers.^[2][3] Other critics emphasize the strong imagery and writing that make the novel engaging.^[4]

La Guma wrote the novel while under arrest at Roeland Street,^[4] writing between 1962 and 1963.^[5] It was the only novel by La Guma not to appear in the highly influential African Writers Series published by Heinemann.^[1] The first edition of the novel was published by Seven Seas Books in East Berlin.^[1] The second edition was by Kliptown Books in 1988.^[1]

References

1. Cornwell, Gareth (November 2002). "And a Threefold Cord: La Guma's neglected masterpiece?". Literator. 23 (2): 63–80. ISSN 0258-2279.
2. Nahem Yousaf (2001). "On the Edge of Existence: Alex La Guma's And a Threefold Cord". Apartheid Narratives. Rodopi. pp. 37–60. ISBN 90-420-1506-3.
3. Kathleen M. Balutansky (1990). "And a Threefold Cord: Interweaving Story and Social History". The Novels of Alex La Guma: The Representation of a Political Conflict. Lynne Rienner Publishers. pp. 33–56. ISBN 978-0-89410-558-6.
4. Fritz Pointer (2001). "And a Threefold Cord: Image and Idea". A Passion to Liberate: La Guma's South Africa, Images of District Six. Africa World Press. pp. 46–122. ISBN 978-0-86543-818-7.
5. Mkhize, Jabulani (1998). "Alex La Guma's Politics and Aesthetics" (PDF). Alternation. 5 (1): 130–168. ISSN 1023-1757.