THE FALL OF MARCUS DESMOND By Teboho Masakala

Teboho Masakala has released his latest book, now ready and available on the book shelves! This prolific young man, who has now published three books, was born in Thaba Nchu. The new book is titled “The fall of Marcus Desmond” and consists of 12 chapters. Teboho Masakala told Free State News: “The book teaches the society about the choices our parents make for us. As children we have our own dreams and need our parents to support them. But it seems many times they (parents) want to take our dreams and make them theirs.” Hence his latest work is a kind of creative message to the parents to have an open relationship with their children and listen carefully to desires, ambitions and dreams from the perspective of the young ones. ‘The parents shouldn’t use their failed dreams as the future dreams for their children, because most of such situations end with a sad story”, the author, known for his penchant for tragic denouements in his work, warns. “Parents shouldn’t take this book as an offence to them. I acknowledge their support and passion to help their children get the best they want in life, but at the same time they shouldn’t suppress their feelings regarding their dreams”, Masakala said. Over the last few years Teboho has churned out works like Mind, Pen, Paper and Ideas (short stories) and Through it all (a novella). Going down memory lane, Teboho recalls joining the Goronyane High School in Thaba Nchu, Free State, in South Africa in 2003. He read a number of books which fired his imagination. “I enjoyed the world of books; books for young people, and our African writers. I was also influenced by the writings of Bessie Head (Maru) and of Chinua Achebe; namely books like No longer at ease and The Voter. I also enjoyed reading some of the creative works of O Bolaji, who later published my first few short stories,” He attended Selosesha Primary School in Thaba Nchu. “I was introduced to reading English books by my teacher and Principal, Kelopile Moletsane, who really did a lot in setting my feet on the literary path. Over the years I have enjoyed basking in books at the Selosesha Library in Thaba Nchu,” On his latest book, The fall of Marcus Desmond, Teboho adds: “The children should also be respectful for the way their parents guide them regarding their career path and dreams. And they should be open to these people, no matter how old they can, they can teach you one or two things about life.” (Write-up by Nthabiseng Lisele)