Author Archives: aridag
Paleontology, intellectual disagreements and the lure of Africa
“I have never understood the lure of Africa; at the end of this novel, I did. […] landscape descriptions are exquisite and closely observed. At the end, I felt I had been there, in these intense, parched African places, tasted … Continue reading
https://blogs.ubc.ca/afrikaner/follow 
BOOK SIGNING OF “THE AFRIKANER” IN VAN!
Join me for a chat and book signing of my novel “The Afrikaner” (Guernica, Toronto, 2019) WHERE: Indigo Robson Bookstore (1033 Robson St, Vancouver) WHEN: Saturday, June 29, 1.30 pm-7.00 pm. The Afrikaner: “A tale of hate, love, guilt and … Continue reading
Life, Possibilities, and the Kalahari’s Many Secrets in The Afrikaner by Arianna Dagnino
“The Afrikaner (Guernica Editions, 2019) is a powerful novel set in extraordinary locations in Africa, where we encounter some mysterious people […]” Arianna Dagnino was born in Genova, Italy. After Moscow, London, and Boston, she worked in South Africa as … Continue reading
Yes, Mama Africa left its sign on my skin and in my soul
Excuse this nth bout of self-promotion but among all the beautiful reviews “The Afrikaner” has received on Goodreads, I really felt the urge to share at least one of them with all of you Africa’s lovers – or soon to … Continue reading
Book Signing of “The Afrikaner” at Indigo Granville in Vancouver (May 24, 3.00 pm-7.00 pm)
Join me for a day of book signing and conversation, on Friday, May 24, at Chapters/Indigo Granville Bookstore in Vancouver. I will be there from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm, with a box of chocolates and personalized bookmarks. Here is … Continue reading
Lessons learned during my book tour. Lesson n. 3: Smell your audience and follow through
Smell your audience and speak/read accordingly: This is Lesson n. 3 learned during my book tour across Canada. I must confess I was a bit disappointed with myself at the book launch in Toronto, which took place on May 16 at … Continue reading
Lessons learned during my book tour. Lesson n. 2: Never pre-judge
Never pre-judge your potential readers: this is one of the many lessons I have learned in this 2-week book tour across Canada to launch my novel “The Afrikaner” (Guernica, Toronto, 2019). During the book signing event at Bay Bloor Indigo … Continue reading
Lessons learned during my book tour. Lesson n. 1: Hospitals are OK
Everything seemed so terribly wrong… but I was wrong! “What am I doing here?” Bruce Chatwin’s memorable question came to my mind when, on May 10, I looked at myself standing at the entrance of IndigoSpirit Mount Sinai Hospital bookstore … Continue reading
Homage to Public Libraries and Their Custodians
Whenever I am in a new city, I make a point of visiting its public libraries. I consider public libraries temples of knowledge and sources of perpetual creative inspiration that need to be worshipped, preserved and nurtured with utmost care. … Continue reading
“The type of novel I appreciate the most: One where I feel much better informed by the end”
“Some may think that writing a novel about a country [South Africa] not her own and so plagued by identity politics strays into the area of cultural appropriation. I would strongly disagree. Dagnino’s writing demonstrates the value of restoring to … Continue reading