Video: Roy Aronson reads from Jamie James and the Curse of the Ancestors (Plus: Q&A)

by Chris on Oct 10th, 2011

Roy Aronson, known for his books on his work as a wildlife veterinary surgeon, has tried his hand at a young adult novel steeped in African mysticism, titled Jamie James and the Curse of the Ancestors. With the help of a powerful sangoma, Jamie James attempts to lift an age-old curse placed on his family, while interning at veterinary clinic near the Kruger National Park.

Books LIVE visited Aronson at his clinic in Cape Town, where he read to us from his book. He also answered some of our questions via e-mail:

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Carolyn Meads of Books LIVE interviewed Aronson about Jamie James and the Curse of the Ancestors:

Jamie James and the Curse of the Ancestors draws a lot on African mysticism and culture. Where does your knowledge of this come from? What kind of research did you have to do?

I made an amateur study of this wonderful subject. I also had intensive discussions with some of my Xhosa staff who have all been marvellous resources. I used the internet extensively and have been to the Natural History museums whenever I have had the opportunity.

The descriptions of the two visits to sangomas are told vividly. Have you ever been to a sangoma and if so, could you tell me about the experience?

I have in fact been to sangomas and I’ve had marvellous mystical experiences with them. Phillip Kubukele is based on a real sangoma who is the head of the Traditional Healers Association of the Western Cape. He is a wonderful character. All the information in the book regarding burning Mpepoh to aid communications with ancestral spirits is accurate. The trance state is also accurately described.

In the book Jamie James interns at a veterinary clinic. How did your own experiences as a vet help you to write this part of the book?

All the veterinary information is accurate and if my colleagues read my book I’m sure they’ll find no fault with this aspect of the book. Being a vet and having extensive wildlife experience was a very good resource to draw on in this regard. We also offer internships to students and scholars and this gave me an insight into their wonder at the profession.

You have written other, biographical books about your veterinary experience. Why did you decide to write a youth novel this time?

Now that is a difficult question. I guess I had heard that a good novel resides in each one of us and I wanted to give it a try. I enjoyed writing the novel immensely and have had more satisfaction from it than from the other books. Jamie is “alive” and I can’t wait to find out what he will get up to next.

There is a current trend of young readers wanting stories about fantasy and magic. Your book gives them that, but in a uniquely African way. Was this something you set out purposefully to do?

Whilst I loved Harry Potter, it is really absurd. Muggles and Wizards and other nonsense. I wanted to write about magic, but TRUE magic. In the black culture there are amazing mystical beliefs and experiences. I wanted to write about this and also to educate people about the mysticism that millions of our own countrymen not only believe in but experience daily.

The book seems to also have a strong conservation theme, especially where wild animals are concerned. Would you say this is true and is this an issue that is close to your heart?

One of the core themes is conservation and it is very close to my heart but we must tread softly and lead with a carrot not drive with a stick. We must educate our young people about the value of our wildlife heritage. In a few years the youth of today will be the custodians of this country. If they are sensitised to our wildlife and African heritage the country and this planet will have a far better chance of weathering the storm.

Jamie James and the Curse of the Ancestors also deals with the importance of one’s history and ancestors, especially in determining your own identity. Is history and family important to you? I saw that you mention your own “ancestors” in the acknowledgement in the front of the book.

If you know where you come from, you will know where you are going. Our ancestors and our heritage are an essential part of our lives. I have tried to reconstruct my own family tree and have discovered amazing things. Everyone should have an understanding of where they come from.

Also in the acknowledgement I saw that your son’s name is Jamie. Is that were the character’s name comes from?

My son’s name is Jamie, but that is where the similarity ends. My son is 12. He may (I hope) grow up to be like Jamie James. It’s not a bad act to follow. The name Jamie James is in honour of the men in my life. My father, my father-in-law and my son.

It seems as if there could be a sequel to Jamie James and the Curse of the Ancestors, as you write in the book he will remain in the service of the ancestors until he is 25.

In the next book, Jamie James and the Horn of Africa, Jamie goes back to Dr Ashman in his December holiday between grade 11 and 12. He gets involved in trying to stop rhino poachers from doing their dastardly deed. After finishing grade 12 he will, I hope, get into veterinary school. There are December vacations between each year of veterinary school. With luck, Jamie will let me know what happens with his life and he gets older.

You also mentioned a possible film deal? Could you say anything more about that possibility?

I have been approached by a well known Hollywood producer. He has read the book and loves the story and has clearly indicated that his company wants to buy the rights to make the movie.

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