LETTER FROM AZRA DANIEL FRANCIS

In response to review of “Drama Queen” – biographic novel by James Parker about Professor Elizabeth Sneddon.

I agree totally with your review, Caroline Smart, pointedly with respect to the title of the book.

I find the mixing of novel and biography genres awkward in places. Because I served alongside Elizabeth Sneddon for eleven years, first as her student and then colleague at the university, I find some details in Parker's story while acceptable as novel, are unsettling as biography. From the author's style, I am unsure how much is which.

James Parker, having known her for over thirty years, please write a pure biography of Elizabeth Sneddon, a uniquely heroic and noble South African.

Sincerely, Azra Daniel Francis.