All things bright and broken (Paperback)

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

Imprint:	Jacana Media
Country of origin:	South Africa
Release date:	April 2018
Authors:	Carol Gibbs
Dimensions:	235 x 154 x 26mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - Trade
Pages:	330
ISBN-13:	978-1-4314-2640-9
Categories:	Books > Language & Literature > Biography & autobiography > General Books > Social sciences > Politics & government > Political control & freedoms > General Books > Health, Home & Family > Family & health > Coping with personal problems > Coping with disability Books > Biography > General
LSN:	1-4314-2640-7
Barcode:	9781431426409

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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 !

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