Hardy is from New Zealand (sort of). He was actually born in Germany but has lived downunder for well over two decades. He arrived in NZ shortly before his 20th birthday, so it’s safe to say that English is his second language.
Hardy stayed here at the hostel about two years ago while he attended the University of Toronto for an intensive course in creative writing. It must have been a pretty good one too.
You mustn’t lose sight of the fact that he is not a native English speaker; his mother tounge is, of course, German. But his spoken English is virtually flawless; if you are generous enough to consider a Kiwi accent, flawless. (See previous entry: “Kiwi or Airport Chicken”).
To make a long story short, Hardy wrote a rather remarkable short story that garnered second place in a New Zealand nation-wide literary contest. Shortly after that win Hardy told me: “After this, I guess the Booker Prize will be an anti-climax.”
Hardy’s here for another course at the U 0f T. He must be serious about winning the Booker! We’ll try to keep you posted on his next literary triumph!
Meanwhile, move over Joseph Conrad! The latest generation of European literary greats has arrived – and his name is Hardy Knuff!
Welcome back Hardy! It really is good to see you again.
