| Abstrakt: |
"The Near North" by Ivan Vladislavić is a book that explores the urban wilderness of Johannesburg, primarily set during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vladislavić reflects on memories, relationships, and the socio-political landscape of South Africa, particularly the Northern neighborhoods and their gentrification. The book is a companion piece to "Portrait with Keys" and reflects on the author's writing life and the changing cityscape of post-apartheid Johannesburg. While the book has moments of insight and social commentary, it is criticized for its construction and execution, as well as its generalization for a broader readership. [Extracted from the article] |
