Something rare indeed. A biting satire, yet deeply philosophical book that centers on a dung beetle’s experience and view of the cosmos, and concentrates on precisely … that. I tried to review this book in detail, but filters stopped me because I actually had to mention the book’s subject matter a few times, which apparently is a no-no. Instead, I will just say that you should read it. As long as you are not immediately put off by the subject, you’ll find that it’s gently comic, and occasionally makes you laugh out loud — and think. – Amazon Review
Deliberations in DUNG :
It’s A Beetle’s Life of Excrementism and Humanism
A delightfully mirthful and revelatory read for anyone who has ever shovelled and pondered in poop, and knows that our earthly dealings in dung can be cause for consideration and paths to insight, and often a matter of life and death.
This surprising and literary journey takes the reader on an amusing – and frequently human – adventure through wonderful wordsmithing and marvellous manure, where dung is destiny, to metamorphoses into piles of heightened awareness.
The novella is a charming and lyrical allegory of our time. It tells of an existentially- and excrementally- challenged dung-beetle, an outsider with aspirations, and the searching woman who comes to learn about his rolling, and her own, set against the backdrop of the often still, but ever-challenging savanna, as they evolve to praiseworthiness and a new kind of enlightenment for all.
Dung-beetles are astounding creatures, recognizable, yet too sophisticated for complete human understanding. They play a significant role in our environmental balance, and in this painstakingly-researched and informative novel, they inspirit messages for self-help, equality, tolerance, wonder, compassion and celebratory upliftment, showing that our value in the universe supersedes our passing.
Readers’ and Authors’ comments:
‘Love this – DUNG gave purpose to my day.’ CG
‘This could well be one of the most literary, profound and funniest books ever.’ DKK
‘Writing of remarkable beauty and brilliance. I’m shrieking with delight.’ JS
‘Such well-informed, literate fun… I’m DUNGi-fied.’ MS
‘Bravo! Very clever quick wit shines through… master of alliteration and wordplay…putting perspectives on life and making sense of it in an entertaining way.’ HB
‘Delightfully different and a balm to that part of my soul which still belongs in the southern part of Africa.’ HS
‘It was, in all, a very satisfying read, well concluded and meaningful.’ CK
‘What a joy it has been through the eyes of a dung beetle from Chapter One all the way through to the Epilogue. I feel quite an affinity with Mbezi the dung-beetle…he has taught me a great deal re life in general and myself.’ AR
Do yourself a favour and grab a copy, then, obviously, read it. An awesome read.’ SR
‘Extremely interesting and also so well written. Some of the descriptions are wonderfully expressive…” HN
‘I never thought I would remain so engrossed in a tale about miskruiers (bugs). I’m re-reading and savouring it a few chapters at a time…’ ABH
‘… hard-hitting I appreciated the subliminal psychology.’ Dr RB
‘I read the kindle sample and literally could not stop. It’s compelling, and transformative, as it takes me to another world – a perspective that is almost impossible to consider until the prose so adeptly reveals it all in all the detail only a lived authenticity can confer. As an author who toils to put something coherent on a page, I have to tell you that I am in envy of your talent. We all apparently have a story to tell based upon our life experiences, but the merit of the art emerges in the telling. … A literary tour de force and talent that I will gladly now sing the praises of!’ WM
‘A comprehensive, hugely beneficial read, brimming with meticulous research shared alongside the author’s own experiences, presented in an easy-to-read format with accessible language. It showcases a wealth of knowledge and understanding which will undoubtedly be a fascinating, invaluable resource. The writing style is assured and this is a highly ambitious piece that we believe would be a worthy addition to the genre.’ AM Publications Editorial Board
About the Author
André Buitendag was born and raised in southern Africa, and now lives internationally as an educator, mentor and adventurer. He is a published and award-winning writer, poet, dramatist, musician and painter – and teacher, mostly.
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