This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. K.P. Kollenborn will be awarding a print copy of the book to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
READ THE INTERVIEW
What is the favorite book you remember as a child?
Of Mice and Men, and I suppose my age elevated more toward adolescence since I was, in fact, 15 when I read this book. Although I had read and enjoyed other fiction with historical content, but it was Steinbeck's novella which had compelled me cry at the end. I had never been so moved with emotions before. How can one not be in awe of his perception? As a writer, even in fiction, Steinbeck broke boundaries of how to reconcile what is humane. He mixed literary prose and realism with such grit and fortitude that I’m charmed by his depressing and enriching style. Of Mice and Men is still inside my head, and in fact I have made a quiet dedication to it as a favorite book of one of the protagonists of my first book as an effort to understand who has the right to take away someone’s life. It also plays into effect of bonding between two unlikely friends who only share the commonality of their environment.
What is your favorite book today? Middlesex. First of all, I love stories that have multiple characters that inevitably affect the protagonist, thereby layering complexities of historical and psychological content that investigates the core of the protagonist's very being. Second, the book challenges the traditional notions of identity and sexality in a gradual and humane process. It is heartfelt, sensitive, and humorous. Third, Jeffrey Eugenides’ prose is supreme. His artful storytelling is just beautiful in language and description. I can only dream of acquiring that kind of genius!
Tell l us about your current book in 10 words.
How the Water Falls unfolds the deception of apartheid's structure.
What are you reading right now?
I’m juggling Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, Fall From Grace by Susan Kraus, and The Seed of Vengeance by Mark Rodgers.
EReader or print? And why? Mostly print, because when researching I like to write notes inside the margins and do prefer the smell and touch of physical books; although I do also like carrying the lightweight of an ereader for conveniences when taking the kids out to play.
One book at a time or multiples?
I tend to read two or three books at a time for pleasure. Unless it’s a small book with a fast read, I like to jump back and forth to different stories depending on my mood. When researching, however, I tend to concentrate on one at a time to absorb the necessary details for the story I’m currently working on.
Favorite genre? I have two: nonfiction and historical fiction.
What would make you not finish a book?
I prefer realism and seeking knowledge versus looking for pieces that deal purely in escape and doesn’t stimulate reflection as a society or an individual. If the books do not require me think or the story’s framework is weak, (lacking complex characters and lazy historical research,) I cannot finish the read. I want books that slap me in the face, shake my shoulders, and cry out, “Do you feel my pain? Do I matter to you?”
READ THE BLURB
On the fringes of a civil war arise a kaleidoscope of stories of abuse, power, betrayal, sex, love, and absolution, all united by the failings of a dying government. Set in the backdrop during the last years of South Africa's apartheid, How the Water Falls is a psychological thriller that unfolds the truth and deception of the system’s victims, perpetrators, and unlikely heroes.
READ AN EXCERPT
Lena stood outside of her workplace with a sign that read, “Work for First African Bank and Die of Starvation Wages.” Down the block, at a shoe store, a light-skinned man in his mid- fifties stood in front of his workplace with another sign that read, “Work for Edworks and Die of Starvation Wages.” Not far from him, a third accomplice—a young Zulu woman—stood in front of a clothing store holding a similar sign. All three lived in different townships, but Lena had managed to speak with them about staging this little protest during their lunch break. At first they were reluctant, fearing losing a job that had taken a long time to find. But none of them were paid the same wages as their white co-workers. Despite the fact that blacks were allowed to be employed in the downtown Johannesburg retail district, and had been for some years now, there were issues regarding pay and pay raises. They were earning nearly half of what their white counterparts were making, suggesting that they were worth half a human being. Lena had also contacted Robert Mlambisi from the paper to take photos. She understood it would not make the front page; nonetheless, to be mentioned at all in a newspaper would still achieve attention.
“How you been, sista?” Robert asked, giving her a hug while holding his camera with his other hand.
“Well, I am still ‘ere,” she smiled.
“That is much of a good thing as any!” he laughed. “It’s good to see you rreturning to your old habits. Good indeed!”
“Thanks for coming, Rrobbie. Dis is much apprreciated.”
MEET THE AUTHOR
Website: www.kpkollenborn.com
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Blog: http://kpkollenborn.blogspot.com
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Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/How-Water-Falls-K-P-Kollenborn-ebook/dp/B00L8F1UZA
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