South African author Gareth Crocker’s second novel published this year, King, is an emotional literary work of art.
South African author Gareth Crocker’s second novel published this year, King, is an emotional literary work of art.
King by Gareth Crocker
Published by Penguin Books (October 2013)
ISBN: 9780143538424
Price: R220
Rating: 4/5
Tear-jerking chapters and easy-to-read witty dialogue will leave your soul smiling, your mind wandering and your heart inspired.
Following the death of protagonist Elijah Rolene’s wife, he quits his job as a police pilot and falls into the habit of taking prescription painkillers – a sanctuary to numb himself.
His sister, Lola, refuses to watch Elijah destroy his life and convinces him to get involved in an animal shelter.
Set in the ganglands of American city Detroit, a rare white lion cub, King, is rescued and finds his own sanctuary in the arms of Elijah and his family.
It is in their home where Elijah’s autistic niece, Harper, forms a special bond with King and she begins to interact and communicate, unmasking herself to the world.
As things are looking up, something happens to rock the family’s world.
Elijah is faced with the question: How far will you go if you have nothing left to lose?
Elijah’s strength is contagious and the reader will realise that the smallest things in life are what count the most.
Although highly emotional, Crocker’s novel strikes a good balance between being both serious and humorous.
“King deals mainly with three themes: redemption, loyalty and sacrifice,” Crocker wrote in an electronic interview with Grocott’s Mail.
“I wanted to write a story about a likeable but flawed man who, ultimately, has an opportunity to do something great. I’ve always loved stories where characters rise above themselves,” Crocker said.
You can view the video trailer for the book here.
The book is available at Van Schaik’s bookstore in Grahamstown.
Here is a Q&A with Crocker whose debut novel, Finding Jack, was published in New York to international acclaim. Sarah Cohen reviewed his latest novel, King, for Grocott's Mail.
Where did you get the inspiration for King from?
It's quite a simple story, really. I'm a big fan of white lions and was horrified to discover, some two years ago, that there are barely 300 left in the world. I then started to dig a little deeper into the plight of the white lions and was even more shocked to learn that almost every white lion in existence is either locked in a cage of sorts, kept in a circus or used, ultimately, for canned lion hunting. Thanks to the Global White Lion Foundation, however, a handful of lions now roam free in the Timbavati region. But it is still an absolute outrage that an animal as magnificent as the white lion is being thoroughly abused and exploited worldwide. It eclipses even what is happening to our rhinos. So as I started to understand the depth of the issue, I resolved to write an inspirational and, hopefully, uplifting story where one man decides to risk everything to save a lone white lion.
What advice can you give aspiring writers?
Despite all the criticism, keep believing in yourself. If you truly believe you have the game to get published, do not stop trying.
If you’ve got potential, you’ll eventually receive personalised rejection slips where someone has gone to the trouble of personally penning some further criticism. This means you’re getting better. Typed rejection notes are not great news. But hand-written comments are to be cherished – it means you're worthy of someone's time. The truth is that, for the most part, reputable agents and publishers know what they’re talking about. Don't be arrogant. Listen to them. Learn and apply what they suggest.
Also, make sure your story has a market. My only problem with Finding Jack (my first novel) is that it is essentially a story that would appeal mostly to women, but was written in a more male setting (war). Apart from some weak writing initially, my other biggest failing was that the book ‘fell between two stools’ from a marketing perspective. You might think you have a wonderful story to tell, but always remember this crucial question: Are there people out there who want to read it? Simple. Writing, bless its wondrous, enigmatic splendour, is still a business. Your work has to sell for you to be successful.
What’s the greatest compliment you have ever received on your writing?
Most authors will never admit to it, but the truth is that the majority of us do what we do – not for the money, as many folk might think – but because we want people to fall in love with our stories. I'm very fortunate in that I write the sort of novels that (hopefully) pull at the heart strings. Thus, I often get rather over-the-top praise from readers who have just finished one of my books and have immediately sent me a note saying how the book in question was among the best – if not the best – they had ever read. Of course, I'm pretty sure that by the next day some of that 'emotional charge' will have worn off and perhaps they would take a more modest view of my work. Aside from that, I've received numerous mails in which people have apparently taken up various causes and made donations based on what they have read of mine. And that's kind of cool – to move people into action.
Have you ever been to Grahamstown and if yes, what did you think of it?
Sadly not – although I do play football for the mighty Rhodes Old Boys' club in Johannesburg and I love every minute of it.
Can we look forward to more novels from you?
Absolutely, I've just been offered a new contract for novel number five, scheduled for October next year. Writing has just started.
Could you expand on the themes within King?
King deals mainly with three themes: redemption, loyalty and sacrifice. I wanted to write a story about a likeable but flawed man who, ultimately, has an opportunity to do something great. I've always loved stories where characters rise above themselves.
