A notable strength of The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories is the author’s nuanced and compassionate approach to storytelling. Medalie combines literary elegance with emotional depth, creating narratives that are both intellectually engaging and deeply human.
Author
David Medalie
Publish Date
1990
Cover Type
Hardcover
Condition
Good
Shelf worn. Foxing and discoloration present
2 in stock
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Book Description
The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of short fiction by South African writer David Medalie. Published in 1990 by New Africa Books, this acclaimed volume explores the complexities of South African society through a series of finely crafted stories marked by psychological insight, subtle observation, and literary sophistication. Written during a period of immense political and social transformation, the collection captures the tensions, contradictions, and human experiences that shaped everyday life in late-apartheid South Africa.
In The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories, Medalie examines themes of identity, memory, family relationships, moral uncertainty, and cultural division. His stories are populated by vividly realised characters confronting personal dilemmas against a backdrop of broader social change. Rather than relying on overt political statements, Medalie often focuses on intimate moments and individual experiences, allowing larger social realities to emerge naturally through character and circumstance.
A notable strength of The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories is the author’s nuanced and compassionate approach to storytelling. Medalie combines literary elegance with emotional depth, creating narratives that are both intellectually engaging and deeply human. His careful attention to detail and understated style invite readers to consider the complexities of personal responsibility, belonging, and human connection in a divided society. The collection demonstrates why Medalie has earned recognition as an important voice in contemporary South African literature.
For readers interested in literary fiction, South African writing, and exceptional short stories, The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories offers a rewarding reading experience. Rich in atmosphere, insight, and emotional resonance, this collection provides a compelling portrait of individuals navigating a changing world while grappling with universal questions of identity, relationships, and meaning.
Condition: Good – Shelf worn. Foxing and discoloration present
What an amazing shop. And for an indecisive shopper, Robert Cronje’s service selling a book set online that I’d seen in the shop when on holiday and not bought was simply impressive. The book set was wrapped so well it arrived via courier without damage.
Another collector (Fynn Lee) had warned us in advance to prepare a lot of time to browse this massive collection, and he was right! The size of the collection is simply immense. But it's still well organized!
We had a blast hunting for cool books here. We actually spent over three hours here, thoroughly enjoying ourselves as we went through these cool books.
We found so many great books at Midlands. We bought far too many to travel home with, but they were kind enough to ship our books back home for us (overseas).
A real hidden gem for collectors of hard to get books. I was able to get a rare book I was looking for, and for a great price. The people who run this are very nice and was able to get my book shipped very quickly, despite having to have it shipped internationally to here in the states.
Stepping inside this bookstore was a delight! It immediately ranks among the best I've ever experienced. The care and dedication of the owner is palpable. It's the kind of place you could happily get lost in for hours. If you're nearby, this is an absolute must-visit. I can't recommend it enough.
An absolute pleasure to deal with Robert, at Midlands Books and Collectables. My books were extremely well packaged and protected, and shipping was super quick. I received my books 2 days after payment cleared. I will definitely be buying from them again, and highly recommend them.
Patrick
I recently bought a book online from Midlands Books and the experience was great! Robert was very helpful and shipped the book to Spain. The book was a rare find and in pristine conditions! Would recommend 100%!
Absolutely INCREDIBLE treasure trove of the most collectible books, coins and artifacts I’ve seen and absolutely worth the trip out to the Old Mushroom Farm to visit this gem - you could get let in the store for a week and still not get to see everything! Incredible service to match the selection! A must see and worthy of the five stars and more!
Excellent service from Midlands Books. They searched for books and ordered books in for me. I’ll definitely be doing business with them again in future.
We discovered Midlands books and collectibles at the old mushroom farm and at horse shoe bend. You can spend hours browsing the incredible selection of books. The vast array of bird books is definitely worth the visit.
I discovered the most enchanting magical bookshop – a true hidden gem! The moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by shelves that seem to stretch into other worlds, filled with every kind of story imaginable. From secret passageways to cozy reading nooks, this shop has it all, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fairytale. The staff are as knowledgeable as they are welcoming, always ready to recommend your next great adventure. It’s not just a place to buy books; it’s a doorway to other world with the incredible domed roof of the mushroom farm. A must-visit for any book lover!
Utterly enchanting, in a unique and magical setting (an old mushroom farm tunnel in the beautiful, wooded Midlands Meander). This is hands-down one of the best bookstores I've ever perused (I'm serious about books and work for a major publishing house).
The selection is incredible; I visited from Oxford (England) and was amazed at the very old, rare and precious gems on offer - books that would be snaffled up by auctioneers and collectors too quickly to even set eyes upon in the UK are waiting here at unbelievably good prices.
There is something for every interest and price point; this is both a solid second-hand bookshop as well as collectible store. The owner was so friendly and took time to show my family and I some of the oldest, largest, and most unusual items in the collection. We were dazzled by a poetry book from the Renaissance period; signed first editions of books from authors as diverse as Douglas Adams and Muhammed Ali; antique children's illustrated books and even a hand-coloured illustrated South African bird book. The owner also had an impressive coin / currency collection which was fascinating to view.
If the literature or objets d'art were not enough, there was also a delightfully cosy dog (pictured) - irresistible! I walked away a very happy customer and will go out my way to visit again when I'm next in South Africa.
Wow! Amazing diversity of previously owned and collectible books. I enjoyed the section on books about birds and birding - several shelves worth - just on this topic - including many rare and classic texts.
The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories
R60.00
A notable strength of The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories is the author’s nuanced and compassionate approach to storytelling. Medalie combines literary elegance with emotional depth, creating narratives that are both intellectually engaging and deeply human.
2 in stock
The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of short fiction by South African writer David Medalie. Published in 1990 by New Africa Books, this acclaimed volume explores the complexities of South African society through a series of finely crafted stories marked by psychological insight, subtle observation, and literary sophistication. Written during a period of immense political and social transformation, the collection captures the tensions, contradictions, and human experiences that shaped everyday life in late-apartheid South Africa.
In The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories, Medalie examines themes of identity, memory, family relationships, moral uncertainty, and cultural division. His stories are populated by vividly realised characters confronting personal dilemmas against a backdrop of broader social change. Rather than relying on overt political statements, Medalie often focuses on intimate moments and individual experiences, allowing larger social realities to emerge naturally through character and circumstance.
A notable strength of The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories is the author’s nuanced and compassionate approach to storytelling. Medalie combines literary elegance with emotional depth, creating narratives that are both intellectually engaging and deeply human. His careful attention to detail and understated style invite readers to consider the complexities of personal responsibility, belonging, and human connection in a divided society. The collection demonstrates why Medalie has earned recognition as an important voice in contemporary South African literature.
For readers interested in literary fiction, South African writing, and exceptional short stories, The Shooting of the Christmas Cows: Stories offers a rewarding reading experience. Rich in atmosphere, insight, and emotional resonance, this collection provides a compelling portrait of individuals navigating a changing world while grappling with universal questions of identity, relationships, and meaning.
Condition: Good – Shelf worn. Foxing and discoloration present
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