This debut autobiographical novel by a compassionate and deeply
perceptive writer is raw, funny and moving. It is the story of
Colleen, the little girl who has to wear boots to support her weak
ankles, seen through her eyes and told in her own words. She is the
third-born child of parents who share a chaotic and co-dependent
relationship. Accompanied by her siblings, this is the child's
journey, set against the background of Cape Town with all its
mystery and beauty. The period is the 1940s, a time of innocence,
social graces, the Queen's visit, and sports heroes like Vic Toweel
and Bobby Locke. It is a time of religious fervour, baptisms,
conversions and Sunday School picnics. Apartheid is seen through
the eyes of innocent children, bemused and confused by the flawed
and unjust system. The pages are crowded by a host of odd
characters, lovable, eccentric, alcoholic and troubled. There's
Aunty Bubble who teaches the children to jitterbug and Uncle
Nicholas who speaks the Queen's English and plays a trumpet in the
Royal Navy band. There is Smuts the Xhosa watchman who befriends
the children and shares his brazier with them at night, and Edna
the maid who tries to keep them neat and clean and fills their
stomachs with angels' food. There's Aunty Beryl who carries a
Chihuahua around in her handbag, and the midwife, and the
home-undertaker named Two-Coffee-One-Milk. The book has universal
appeal. There is a human thread recognisable to anyone who has ever
been in a co-dependent relationship, or been abused, or grown up
poor, or had an alcoholic father ... The text is rich in imagery
and vivid detail. Sharp, insightful, nostalgic and magical, both
harrowing and joyful, rich in unintentional humour, it will
resonate with many. It has the charm of Angela's Ashes. You will
laugh with this child, you will cry with her and you will take
every breath with her. It is the author's hope that her story might
help others dilute the poison of their pain. The sequel will be
available in the near future.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
WOW!!!! Brace yourself for a journey of discovery
Tue, 10 Jul 2018 | Review
by: HEATER D.
Reading the book has been a journey of introspection, a journey of discovery and delight; but also, a journey into the darkness of mankind.
I also learned about myself while reading the book. I have greater appreciation for my own childhood; for my wonderful, loving parents; for privileges I had and which I then assumed to be rights; better insight about the perceived hardships I’ve had as a child. I’ve learned a greater level of humbleness, gratitude and respect. This will stand be to good service in future when I feel life is ‘too much’ and people are ‘too horrible’.
I have grown as a result of reading this amazing story !
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes (1) |
No (0)
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
