The Week in Review – February 1, 2025

It's very much been a case of inoculating myself against the urge to doomscroll during the day by getting my whiff of 'What the fuck now, Murica' before I get up every morning. This week has offered in bucket-loads, and then some. But this morning was totally different when I discovered that the volume that has my essay about post-colonial themes in my writing in it – Afro-Centered Futurism in Our Speculative Fiction (Bloomsbury 2024) – is longlisted for a BSFA Award. I cannot underscore what an important read this is for African speculative fiction, and as an African author I'm both thrilled and honoured that I was invited to contribute.

Further news is that I've finally carried through on my vow to have a Little Free Library installed for my hood. I'm grateful to my handyman Johan van Zyl who took two days to construct the tiniest library for me, which I'm glad to report has already been supported by my community. As in 'no shit, Sherlock' I'm passionate about reading, and about accessibility for folks. Not everyone has the opportunity to visit a library (we are relative isolated on the urban fringe in a secluded valley). Not everyone can afford new (or even second hand) books. It is my hope that this Little Free Library will become a valuable resource to my community. If you've thought about doing something similar, a cursory Google will offer numerous ideas. Email me at nerinedorman@gmail.com if you're a local author who may wish to donate books.

Staying with books, I've just finished reading a little gem by Cristina Jurado translated by Sue Burke. ChloroPhilia is a novella that sits firmly at the crossroads of environmental horror and science fiction. We follow Kirmen's story, growing up beneath the domes of a settlement of humans trying to survive an environmental apocalypse. Intertwined with the story is the uncomfortable relationship Kirmen has with the doctor who is responsible for the biological engineering that sets the boy apart from his fellows. Plainly put, humanity is doomed (likely by its own actions) and Kirmen is their last hope against the all-consuming storm outside their protective outer shell. This is definitely a story that left me scratchy behind the eyes, but I enjoyed it. It's layered and lyrical, slowly unfolding, and steeped in self-reflection as Kirmen discovers who he truly is.

Our Little Tuxedo-Wearing Friends

Picture: Bl1zz4rd-editor
(Wiki Commons)

I'm currently doing QA on a book about the great auk, a bird few of you may have heard of. Which is hardly surprising as it's been extinct since the 1850s. I'm on the verge of tears while working on this book, which reminds me that our friend the African penguin is rapidly heading the same direction. These birds are dear to my heart, and we have a breeding colony right on our doorstep in Simon's Town, so I've decided this year that one of my causes will be to support the conservation efforts for these little chaps.

In 2000 during the disastrous Treasure oil spill, I had the incredibly privilege of spending a week helping to clean and feed penguins, an unforgettable experience. As a consequence, I can still wrangle penguins in my sleep. So although I no longer have the time to spend an entire day getting covered in fish entrails, scales and guano, I will do what I can to help these wonderful birds.

Fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remain, and the bird has plunged to 97% of its previous population. If this is not a dire cause for alarm, then I don't know. This bird could be extinct within the next decade if we don't do something drastic, and soon.

SANCOBB has been doing incredible work with the penguins (and other seabirds) for decades, and I'd like to encourage you to adopt a penguin this year (or contribute to the hatching of an egg). 

More on Birds

So, this week I signed off on the print proofs for The Company of Birds. It's such an amazing feeling to know that this wonderful book will be winging its way out to South African readers who may have missed out on a print copy the first time around back in 2019. 

My friend and fellow author Cat Hellisen was so kind as to say these wonderful words about the story:

A lush, dark fantasy of academics and magic that interrogates class, gender, and culture divides, where forbidden powers and uncovered secrets will right a centuries-old wrong. A Company of Birds is a book of hard truths in soft plumage, set in a mesmerising and all-too-real world.

You will be able to order a copy from your local Exclusive Books or Wordsworth or, even better, order directly from Mirari Press.