| Winner of numerous prizes and renowned for his dexterous storytelling, Fiston’s work is characterised by an electrifying mix of, amongst other things: political turbulence, individual and collective perseverance, daring narrative manoeuvres, flashes of humour and a love of music, particularly jazz.
Here’s more on The Villain’s Dance from its publisher, leading indie press, And Other Stories:
“Zaire. Late 90’s. Mobutu’s thirty-year reign is tottering. In Lubumbashi, the stubbornly homeless Sanza has fallen in with a trio of veteran street kids led by the devious Ngungi. A chance encounter with the mysterious Monsieur Guillaume seems to offer a way out . . .
“Meanwhile in Angola, Molakisi has joined thousands of fellow Zairians hoping to make their fortunes hunting diamonds, while Austrian Franz finds himself roped into writing the memoirs of the charismatic Tshiamuena, the ‘Madonna of the Cafunfo Mines.’ Things are drawing to a head, but at the Mambo de la Fête, they still dance the Villain’s Dance from dusk till dawn.”
Tickets have been selling very quickly for this year’s events so don’t delay too long before securing a seat for what will be a fascinating evening.
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‘Mujila’s virtuosic narrative shifts, feverish magical realism, and dizzying chronological leaps make for an intoxicating reading experience. This complex tale bears exquisite fruit.’ Publishers Weekly
‘Fiston Mwanza Mujila… writes novels and poetry that move to an infectious, syncopated rhythm. His latest work, The Villain’s Dance, especially revels in this spirit.’ New York Times
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Fiston Mwanza Mujila was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1981 and lives in Austria. His writing – including the International Booker longlisted Tram 83 – responds to political turbulence in his native country and frequently foregrounds its debt to jazz.
Roland Glasser has published over 25 translations from French (fiction, art, travel, and trade non-fiction) alongside literary editing and theatre lighting design.
Ruth Bush is Professor of Comparative Literatures and Cultures at the University of Bristol, where she also co-directs (with Dr Leighan Renaud) the Centre for Black Humanities. |
