Whites
by Norman Rush
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Description
Whether they are Americans, Brits, or a stubborn and suicidally moral Dutchman, Norman Rush's whites are not sure why they are in Botswana. Their uncertainty makes them do odd things. Driven half-mad by the barking of his neighbor's dogs, Carl dips timidly into native witchcraft--only to jump back out at the worst possible moment. Ione briskly pursues a career as a "seducer" ("A seductress was merely someone who was seductive and who might or might not be awarded a victory. But a seducer was show more a professional"), while her dentist husband fends off the generous advances of an African cook. Funny, sad, and deeply knowing, polished throughout to a diamond glitter, Whites is a magnificent collection of stories. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
My favorite stories:
Bruns p. 16: A Dutch Vegan conscientious objector comes to volunteer at a little village in Botswana where the boers have everything sewed up: the chief of police, the stores, etc. This unassuming Vegan stirred things up, in his pacifist way, for those dang boers. Lol
Near Pala p. 31: two white married couples are traveling on the roadless roads in Botswana to a hotel destination. One of the women, pregnant Nan, is sympathetic to the natives, their poverty, their oppression by whites. Her husband Gareth, is not, "We can't set a foot right if we're white, can we?" (That's right, Gareth.) When 3 women and a baby, "bushies," come along side the car, begging for water, Nan is the only one sympathetic. What happens next? show more Let's just say, if I were there... instant divorce.
Instruments of Seduction p. 74: How refreshing; a story about a woman who seduces. And she's 50. You don't get that every day.
Alone in Africa p. 150: A man's wife leaves for a vacation, leaving him alone at home in a town in Botswana. He's getting drunk when a native girl taps at his door and he is ready to be seduced. Only one problem: the next door neighbor is an Uber Christian and sound carries.
Quick and entertaining read. show less
Bruns p. 16: A Dutch Vegan conscientious objector comes to volunteer at a little village in Botswana where the boers have everything sewed up: the chief of police, the stores, etc. This unassuming Vegan stirred things up, in his pacifist way, for those dang boers. Lol
Near Pala p. 31: two white married couples are traveling on the roadless roads in Botswana to a hotel destination. One of the women, pregnant Nan, is sympathetic to the natives, their poverty, their oppression by whites. Her husband Gareth, is not, "We can't set a foot right if we're white, can we?" (That's right, Gareth.) When 3 women and a baby, "bushies," come along side the car, begging for water, Nan is the only one sympathetic. What happens next? show more Let's just say, if I were there... instant divorce.
Instruments of Seduction p. 74: How refreshing; a story about a woman who seduces. And she's 50. You don't get that every day.
Alone in Africa p. 150: A man's wife leaves for a vacation, leaving him alone at home in a town in Botswana. He's getting drunk when a native girl taps at his door and he is ready to be seduced. Only one problem: the next door neighbor is an Uber Christian and sound carries.
Quick and entertaining read. show less
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Lists
National Book Award Finalists - Fiction
377 works; 12 members
Pulitzer Prize for Fiction - Finalists
88 works; 9 members
Author Information
Awards and Honors
Awards
Distinctions
Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 1986
- Important places
- Botswana
- Dedication
- For Elsa, beautiful and good, perfect friend, with gratitude
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 236
- Popularity
- 137,483
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.46)
- Languages
- Dutch, English, French, Italian
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 11
- ASINs
- 3
