By Mbali Tanana
After seven years of research and finally completing her book in 2021 with an intimate, Covid-19 book launch, Makhanda-born Mignonne Breier says she is delighted to be bringing her book Bloody Sunday to the Literature Festival that takes place at the National Art Festival this week.
The three-day Literature Festival is hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture from the 27th June at The Monument.
The Cape Town-based Breier said she was excited about returning to her home town Makhanda, after more than 40 years, since leaving in 1983 for the mother city to develop her career.
“My recent book Bloody Sunday is basically about the history of the Eastern Cape, now to get a platform to talk about my book on home soil is very special to me. Not only is it about Eastern Cape history but South African history too. Breier said her writings and extensive research focused on historic research, in particular the tragic events that unfolded in Duncan Village in East London on 9 November 1952 a time when a township riot led to the brutal killing of a nun. This was also at a time when the ANC had just launched the Defiance Campaign.
The former journalist and now distinguished academic said she was excited that the department had infused the Literature Festival with music, and integrated different genres, interests and generations.
“I am very excited to be sharing the platform with other decorated artists and distinguished authors,” she said.
The class of 1974 Rhodes BJourn graduate said the literature festival promises to be a delightful experience.
