"Six Feet of the Country" by Nadine Gordimer is a collection of short stories that explores the complexities of race, identity, and relationships in apartheid-era South Africa. The stories are set against the backdrop of the oppressive social and political system of apartheid, which enforced racial segregation and discrimination.
Each story in the collection delves into the lives of diverse characters, including black and white South Africans, as well as immigrants from other countries. Through richly drawn characters and vivid settings, Gordimer depicts the harsh realities of life under apartheid, as well as the emotional and psychological impact of living in a society divided by race.
The stories in "Six Feet of the Country" touch on a range of themes, including the dehumanizing effects of apartheid, the struggle for personal and political freedom, and the complexities of human relationships across racial lines. Gordimer's prose is deeply insightful and provocative, challenging readers to confront the injustices of apartheid and the moral dilemmas faced by those living in such a deeply divided society.
Overall, "Six Feet of the Country" is a powerful collection of stories that offers a nuanced and poignant exploration of the human condition in apartheid-era South Africa, capturing the complexities of race, identity, and social justice during a turbulent time in the country's history.