Stories of Durban Indians in new book

DURBAN author and storyteller Kiru Naidoo has drawn on his rich tapestry of experiences in his latest book, "Durban Indians" that was launched last weekend at the Books & Chai Festival in Umhlanga.

In Durban Indians, Naidoo provides a lively exploration of cultural nuances through personal anecdotes that touch on food, clothing, and pivotal social events.

"It is my lived experiences that looks at food, clothing and social events and my experience in diverse settings such as weddings, funerals and cutting mangoes," said Naidoo.

Unlike his previous memoir, Made in Chatsworth, which was a more substantial tome, Durban Indians presents a series of concise narratives, each intertwining humour with nostalgic recollections that capture the essence of childhood in a dynamic community.

In his foreword, Selvan Naidoo, director of the 1860 Heritage Centre, wrote: "Picking up Durban Indians is like opening a packet of Simba chips. No sooner have you had one bite, you want to reach for another. That addiction lies in Kiru’s irreverent writing style. Like a good biryani, he has an uncanny knack of mixing wit, fact, fiction, mischief, history and an inquisitive ear with a wicked imagination to dish up something sumptuous."

"His stories are all grounded in his lived experience as the typical Durban Indian with a healthy twist of spice and good humour. The foreword remarks that his prose is attractive in its simplicity and its brevity."

Selvan said the stories are shorter than the conventional short story genre pioneered by the author's inspirations including Saki, Tagore, Wodehouse, Naipaul, Gordimer, Bessie Head, Anita Desai, Mariama Bâ and Ronnie Govender.

Naidoo said Selvan nailed exactly what he was trying to do, "write something that feels like a quick gossip over the fence, but leaves a tantalising sometimes saucy aftertaste.”

Published by Micromega Publications, Durban Indians is available from Made in Durban and bookshops around the country.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE