National Waiting for the Barbarians Day

National Waiting for the Barbarians Day is an annual holiday every November 4th in honor of J.M. Coetzee’s 1980 novel, Waiting for the Barbarians. The novel tells the story of a Magistrate who is a devoted servant of an Empire.

History

John Maxwell Coetzee is a renowned writer, linguist, and translator with South African and Australian roots. His work has earned him not only the Nobel Prize but also the Booker Prize, the CNA, and several doctoral degrees. His acclaimed works include Waiting for the Barbarians, The Life and Times of Michael K, and Disgrace. Coetzee has lived and worked in many countries, including London, Texas, and New York. Currently, he resides in Adelaide.

Interesting facts

• Penguin Books included “Waiting for the Barbarians” in their list of “Great Books of the 20th Century”.
• South Africa is the largest producer of macadamia nuts and is the birthplace of two Nobel laureates, who grew up on the same street.
• The world’s first heart transplant was performed in Cape Town in 1967.
• More than 2,500 ships have wrecked off the coast of South Africa.

How to take part

Reading any of Coetzee’s works provides a personal insight into the literary masterpiece. Additionally, viewers can watch the movie based on the novel, starring Johnny Depp and Robert Pattinson. Finally, travelers can plan a trip to South Africa, a beautiful and unique country with plenty to explore.

When is National Waiting for the Barbarians Day in 2024?

National Waiting for the Barbarians Day is observed on November 4 each year.

Observations