Oom, who hails from Cape Town, South Africa, recounts his colourful childhood against the backdrop of his dating adventures later in life in British Columbia, Canada. Now in his sixties, Oom takes readers from one amusing encounter to the next, bringing to life a cast of fascinating and humorous characters met along the way.With graphic and ironic portrayals, Oom illustrates the difference between a mere meeting and a proper date, letting his experiences shine a light on the often peculiar rules that govern the dating world. Though told in simple, self-deprecating language, Oom allows the vibrant personalities of those he meets to take centre stage.As each dating escapade unfolds, at times desperately, Oom’s central quest remains constant – does he finally succeed in securing a lover? From cultural intricacies to comedic mishaps, embark on a journey that may begin in Cape Town but finds its final destination in the heart.
Michael Klerck was born in 1955, in Cape Town, South Africa and soon went on to spend a significant part of his childhood on the infamous Robben Island where his parents met during the war. He began writing at an early age, and concentrated for some time on writing short stories, one of which was published by Stand Magazine, Newcastle. He qualified as a teacher at the then well-known Graaff-Reinet Teachers’ College, and went on to gain a Bachelor of Arts degree through the University of South Africa where he finished courses in Economics, Communication and Philosophy while majoring in Psychology and English. He spent six years teaching in KaNgwane near Swaziland and began lecturing in tertiary education in 1987 which saw him involved in a number of pilot teaching programmes.
He has also had various articles published by Men’s Health, South Africa, and is the winner of the 2001 National Mondi Paper Magazine Writer’s Award for work in the same magazine.
He is the author of the children’s fantasy novel The Key to Tantalis, an adult literary novel, Where the Light Is, and his autobiographical travelogue, From Biltong to Beef Jerky & Beyond, which documents his emigration to Canada.
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Reviews
7 reviews
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Alan Edwards,CEO New Zealand.
Every once in a while something good comes along, like Lessons From The Sauna! I thoroughly enjoyed the read! There are many real laugh out loud moments and there are some thought provoking, serious and emotionally challenging ones! A real emotional roller coaster of a read with many good stories about the challenges of on-line dating, home cooking and movies you should not watch! You can easily find it on Amazon.
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Trevor W, Retired Principal & teacher of English literature, Hogsback, South Africa.
What a magnificent novel! I laughed and enjoyed the stories, so cleverly put together. Your style is so readable and the method used of autobiographical stories of the past juxtaposed with the present is outstanding.
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Teresa R, Bus. Manager, FET College Cape Town.
I must admit I haven't laughed as much in a very long time. Another thing, when I started reading I could not stop ...!
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Elize O, Community College Language Educator.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The funny parts were hilarious and the more serious parts, sometimes sad and other times hauntingly beautiful.
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Cathy M, Dept. Head Springfield Convent, Cape Town.
Loved every page. It was screamingly funny!
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Carol N, Project Manager, City of Vancouver.
I loved the characters in the book and could not stop laughing. Especially the chapters that really moved me.
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It was a breath of fresh air. The range of emotions was surprising: from slapstick in the lion cage to very serious in the war zone and vulnerable in relationships. It qualifies as a page-turner since one cannot wait to find out what hot water the character will fall into next. Michael Klerck has a great imagination and the descriptions paint vivid pictures especially if one is familiar with the environment.
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