Dison takes literary dip into Joburg’s underworld

David Dison has brought out a second crime novel based in Johannesburg titled The Good Nigerian. The SA Jewish Report catches up with him to find out more.

What initially inspired you to write novels?

I was inspired by studying and reading great novels throughout my youth thanks to my late mother. From that time, I wanted to write.

This is your second novel. What drew you to writing about crime?

I had a lot of exposure to it through practicing law in Joburg which is the place described in my novels.

Are your characters based on anyone you or we might know and if so, who?

The characters are imaginary, but for those who know me, there are strong elements of similarity. Jerome Nossel is a fictional alter ego for me, and the imaginary characters in the book might have elements of people and places I have known in real life.

Jerome is decidedly Jewish and the book is dotted with fabulous Yiddish terms. Why?

Nossel is a Jew like one of the other characters in the book. This is a story that takes place in Johannesburg, which still has a vibrant Jewish community, so the book is reflective of that.

You bring Johannesburg to life in your stories. What’s your relationship with this city like? What does it mean to you?

I’m a fourth generation Johannesburger. My great grandfather is buried in Enoch Sontonga Park. This is the city in which we have lived for generations other than for a period in the early 20th century in Standerton, which I refer to in the book.

How would you describe the world of The Good Nigerian?

An allegory set in Joburg shortly before the pandemic.

You have a deep understanding of media, entertainment, civil and human rights, and law, but your fiction isn’t about that. Why?

This is precisely why I like contemporary fiction writing. It’s about an imaginary world with roots and resonances in our own world which the reader can relate to. My daily professional life wouldn’t hook readers.

Describe where and how you like to write?

Early mornings are best for me. Possibly two to three hours, depending on whether I’m writing actively.

It has been many years since your first Nossel book. Why the hiatus?

I produced essays and short stories. One of them, Louis Botha Avenue, had characters which I developed.

How did you feel when you completed this book?

Fulfilled. I’m very happy with this book and what my publishers Jacana Media have done with it.

How did your family contribute to making it work?

My wife is a teacher and writer, so she understands.

Can we expect another Nossel book soon or are you planning something quite different?

There’s a third in the Nossel triptych on its way next year.

Is there anything you would like potential SA Jewish Report readers to know?

This book looks closely at Jews who have emigrated in the 19th, 20th, and 21st century to Africa through the medium of a detective story. It’s racy and provocative. Buy it, please.