At Close of Day: Reflections

At Close of Day is the author's thoughts and meditations about old-age, ageing and the end of a life, together with memories of a general nature to give a stirring depiction of the author's life of almost eighty years. The series of autobiographical books that started with 'n Duitser aan die Kaap, Merksteen and Die laaste Afrikaanse boek is concluded with this work.
It is a highly personal book about old-age, the process of writing and self-determination with commentary about ageing and being old in a modern society, and was updated for the last time on 26 April 2017, a few days before his death. He gives practical hints and information about the possible and probable end of his life. The element of farewell and acceptance are obvious throughout the text. He realises that old age becomes the main theme of his thoughts and his daily life.
The references and quotations are poignant and speak of someone who made his reading world his living word. In the end he explains his liberating decision about his planned suicide.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karel Schoeman was one of South Africa's most productive authors and wrote numerous novels, short novels, plays and historical works. His work received many awards (also international) over the years. He passed away on 1 May 2017.