Nobel launch for student body

University of Adelaide creative writing students recently hit the jackpot when Dr JM Coetzee launched their publication The Body: an anthology.

The winner of the 2003 Nobel Prize for Literature and dual Booker Prize winner, Dr Coetzee is an Honorary Visiting Research Fellow in the university's Discipline of English, and was forwarded an early proof of the book by its four co-editors.

"We were hoping he might give us an endorsement," Amy Matthews, one of four co-editors, told The Advertiser recently. "He replied quickly with a page of notes and comments, and agreed to launch the book."

Each year, students of the University of Adelaide's Masters Degree of Creating Writing compile an anthology surrounding a chosen theme, which this year was "the body".

The Body: an anthology is a diverse collection of short stories and poetry written by 27 new writers whose work delves into the depths of the body, reflecting not only on what the body is, but also looking at the various forms it inhabits.

Together they have created a mysterious, sensual and occasionally tormented journey through the body in all its forms. Their work pushes the boundaries far from traditional concepts and perceptions of the body. The body is life, landscape, movement and so much more. It is constantly changing shape, unravelling its many disguises and hidden meanings.

Each author offers a remarkable and distinct approach to this body of work bringing a range of different experiences and expressions to life.

The South African-born Coetzee, who settled in Adelaide in 2002, is regarded as one of the greatest living writers, and has the distinction of being one of only two people to win the Booker Prize twice.

The Body: an anthology is edited by Henry Ashley-Brown, Chelsea Avard, Amy Matthews and Stephanie Thomson, and is published by Wakefield Press with a RRP of $19.95.

Story by Howard Salkow