The Childhood of Jesus
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The Childhood of Jesus by Jm Coetzee
After crossing oceans, a man and a boy arrive in a new land. Here they are each assigned a name and an age, and held in a camp in the desert while they learn Spanish, the language of their new country. As Simón and David they make their way to the relocation centre in the city of Novilla, where officialdom treats them politely but not necessarily helpfully. Simón finds a job in a grain wharf. The work is unfamiliar and backbreaking, but he soon warms to his stevedore comrades, who during breaks conduct philosophical dialogues on the dignity of labour, and generally take him to their hearts. Now he must set about his task of locating the boy’s mother. Though like everyone else who arrives in this new country he seems to be washed clean of all traces of memory, he is convinced he will know her when he sees her. And indeed, while walking with the boy in the countryside Simón catches sight of a woman he is certain is the mother, and persuades her to assume the role. David's new mother comes to realise that he is an exceptional child, a bright, dreamy boy with highly unusual ideas about the world. But the school authorities detect a rebellious streak in him and insist he be sent to a special school far away. His mother refuses to yield him up, and it is Simón who must drive the car as the trio flees across the mountains. THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS is a profound, beautiful and continually surprising novel from a very great writer.
Richly enigmatic, with regular flashes of Coetzee's piercing intelligence -- Theo Tait * Guardian *
As ever, JM Coetzee manages to dodge every category with mesmeric cunning.. This limpid, gnomic and surprisingly witty tale will take root in your imagination’ -- Boyd Tonkin * Independent *
There are lots of traditions and tales mixed in – along with mathematics and a wonderfully poetic use of language * Financial Times *
Engaging and thoughtful -- Theo Hobson * Tablet *
Written with all of Coetzee’s penetrating rigour, it will be an early contender for an unprecedented third Booker prize -- Tim Adams * Observer *
As ever, JM Coetzee manages to dodge every category with mesmeric cunning.. This limpid, gnomic and surprisingly witty tale will take root in your imagination’ -- Boyd Tonkin * Independent *
There are lots of traditions and tales mixed in – along with mathematics and a wonderfully poetic use of language * Financial Times *
Engaging and thoughtful -- Theo Hobson * Tablet *
Written with all of Coetzee’s penetrating rigour, it will be an early contender for an unprecedented third Booker prize -- Tim Adams * Observer *
J.M. Coetzee’s work includes Waiting for the Barbarians, Life & Times of Michael K, Boyhood, Youth, Disgrace, Summertime, The Childhood of Jesus and, most recently, The Schooldays of Jesus. He was the first author to win the Booker Prize twice and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003.
| SKU | GOR004756849 |
| ISBN 13 | 9781846557262 |
| ISBN 10 | 1846557267 |
| Title | The Childhood of Jesus |
| Author | J M Coetzee |
| Condition | Very Good |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Vintage Publishing |
| Year published | 2013-03-07 |
| Number of pages | 288 |
| Prizes | Long-listed for The Folio Prize 2014 (UK), Long-listed for I.M.P.A.C. Dublin Award 2015 (UK) |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us |
