NUANCES and other stories

​Author: Dianne Stewart
Publisher: Fine  print Books
​Reviewer: Beryl Eichenberger
Short story writing is notoriously difficult – at least that is my take on it, having found them almost impossible to write. My angst at not being able to pen a good story saw me enroll for a Cape Town Summer School course with the wonderful Dianne Stewart. I can remember feeling relief when she dispelled my myths taking me with such expertise towards completing a short story that satisfied me. Dianne Stewart is an award winning, prolific and respected writer.

Having published mainly children’s books, both locally and internationally this is her first published collection of short stories, not a new genre for Stewart as two of the included stories, ‘The Crash’ and ‘Bread for the journey’ have already won national awards. When this neat volume arrived on my desk I was delighted to see that it was from the teacher I had learned so much from.
‘Nuances’ is an apt name for this collection as the short story in itself is full of nuances. It is a moment in time, a snapshot of life and many readers may find them wanting…inasmuch as there is more to be told and it is left to the reader’s imagination to take the story forward. That is the beauty of these stories – to evoke a curiosity for what comes next.
This volume of 22 stories is rich in its variance, with characters (mostly women) who hail from across cultures, countries and living circumstances. They draw on Stewart’s wide understanding of African languages. They are you and me and that is what draws you in, the likeness in so many ways of the people one knows.   
From Grace in ‘The Drought’ and a home invasion that highlights the vulnerability of rural living, to ‘The Trophy’ where a beautifully woven basket is a means to education for its weaver Miriam but is a fiercely contested prize for its prospective buyers. Stewart’s obvious love for the rural craft skills of Kwa Zulu Natal is evident in this story, but she brings home how so many of these artefacts disappear into mere décor pieces.  Stewart dips into many cultures and displays her powers of observation as she cannily and in many cases ironically, picks up on societal traits. In the title story we see the arrogance of an international publishing agent his actions leading to a journey of discovery for author Emma. The nuances in each carefully crafted story are thoughtful and memorable.
Weather is always a subject on a South African’s lips and in many of the stories water features prominently. Whether this was intentional I have no way of knowing but the addition of storms, downpours and crashing seas seemed to signify  the washing away of the past – a purification - a new beginning, a  dimension adding greatly to the enjoyment.
This is a handbag sized book to enjoy at any time, to return to and savour as each reading will bring a new perspective.   ​