Books matching: apartheid era south africa
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- #1
Save:'The Steam Pig' by James McClure is a police procedural set in apartheid-era South Africa, focusing on the unique partnership between white Lieutenant Kramer and his black Bantu Sergeant Zondi. The book delves into the daily realities of life under apartheid, showcasing the tensions between different races and the complexities of social relations during that time. McClure's writing style is noted for its rawness, evoking a sense of darkness and banality within the apartheid system, while also incorporating elements of mystery and twists that emerge naturally from the setting.
But business stayed good. It helped, having a name that had an alphabetical right to head the list of funeral directors in the Yellow Pages. And having a telephone number like 77007. Five digits—not a... - #2
Save:In 'A Beautiful Place to Die', set in 1950s apartheid South Africa, Detective Emmanuel Cooper is tasked with investigating the murder of a white Afrikaner police officer in a small town filled with racism and political tensions. As Cooper delves into the case, he uncovers hidden truths about the victim and faces challenges from the Security Service and the local community, all against the backdrop of apartheid laws and racial segregation. The story skillfully intertwines elements of a murder mystery with the complexities of racial conflicts, social injustices, and the political landscape of the time.
The book offers a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the harsh realities of apartheid-era South Africa, portraying the intense racial dynamics, political intrigues, and the struggles faced by the characters. Through well-drawn characters and intricate relationships, the author, Malla Nunn, weaves a story that not only entertains as a crime novel but also serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the racial tensions and injustices prevalent during that period.
DETECTIVE SERGEANT EMMANUEL Cooper switched off the engine and looked out through the dirty windscreen. He was in deep country. To get deeper he’d have to travel back in time to the Zulu wars. Two For... - #3
Save:Rian Malan's book 'My Traitor's Heart' is a profound memoir that delves into the author's journey as an Afrikaner in South Africa, grappling with his own white privilege, the complexities of his country's history, and his evolving political beliefs. Through candid storytelling, Malan reflects on his family's role in shaping South Africa, his personal struggles with his conscience and privilege, and his commitment to the liberation of black South Africans. The book explores themes of identity, colonialism, apartheid, and the internal conflict of being torn between the oppressor and the oppressed.
- #4
Save:Readers describe 'Riotous Assembly' as a satirical take on apartheid-era South Africa, showcasing the absurdity of the system through hilarious and exaggerated scenarios. The book follows the antics of characters such as Kommandant Els and Ms. Hazelstone in the fictional town of Piemburg, offering a comedic yet insightful commentary on the societal structures and injustices of the time. Tom Sharpe's writing style is praised for its wit, satire, and ability to blend humor with serious themes, providing a unique perspective on a dark period in history.
Piemburg is deceptive. Nothing about it is entirely what it seems to be. Huddled among the foothills of the Drakensberg and crouching at the feet of a great flat-topped hill it has few of the marks of... Set in South Africa in the 1940s, 'Cry, The Beloved Country' follows the journey of a Zulu pastor, Stephen Kumalo, as he searches for his son in the bustling city of Johannesburg. The story intricately weaves together the lives of two fathers and their sons, exploring the racial injustices and societal struggles faced by both black and white communities during the apartheid era. Through poignant storytelling and lyrical prose, Alan Paton creates a narrative that delves into themes of love, hope, forgiveness, and the enduring dignity of humanity.
THERE IS A lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills. These hills are grass-covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it. The road climbs seven miles into them, to Carisbroo...Trevor Noah's memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood," offers a unique perspective on growing up during and after apartheid in South Africa. Through a series of vignettes, Noah intertwines seemingly unrelated stories to illuminate the forces that shaped his childhood. The book delves into the complexities of race and culture in South Africa, providing insights into the author's upbringing, his family dynamics, and the societal norms that influenced his life.
Sometimes in big Hollywood movies they’ll have these crazy chase scenes where somebody jumps or gets thrown from a moving car. The person hits the ground and rolls for a bit. Then they come to a stop ...- #7
Save:A Dry White Season is a compelling story set in South Africa in the 1970s, following the journey of an ordinary man, Ben Du Toit, who gets entangled in the fight for justice after the mysterious death of his black friend's son, Jonathan, during the Apartheid era. The plot unfolds as Ben, a simple Johannesburg schoolteacher, navigates through the corrupt justice system and oppressive regime, determined to uncover the truth behind the injustices he witnesses. The book employs a thriller-like narrative style, delving into the complexities of societal issues and personal struggles, offering a thought-provoking and intense reading experience.
It all really began, as far as Ben was concerned, with the death of Gordon Ngubene. But from the notes he made subsequently, and from newspaper cuttings, it is obvious that the matter went back much f... - #8
Save:Set in South Africa during a time of conflict, 'July's People' follows the story of a white family seeking refuge with their servant, July, in his village after widespread rioting. The book explores the interactions between the characters and the shifting balance of power in the new society, focusing on the complexities of race relations and the impact of apartheid on individuals. The writing style, though at times challenging with its evocative language and ambiguous dialogue structure, effectively conveys the tense atmosphere and internal struggles faced by the characters.
The narrative slowly simmers, building tension towards its sudden and open-ended conclusion, as the Smales family confronts the realities of their complicity in the apartheid system and the transformations in their relationships, particularly with their servant, July. The book delves into themes of dependency, power dynamics, and the uncertainties of an intermediate state, offering a nuanced portrayal of race relations and societal upheaval during the South African civil war that ended apartheid.
no door, an aperture in thick mud walls, and the sack that hung over it looped back for air, sometime during the short night. Bam, I’m stifling; her voice raising him from the dead, he staggering up f... - #9
Save:"Tandia" is the sequel to "The Power of One" and continues the story of Peekay and introduces Tandia, a half-black, half-Indian woman in apartheid South Africa. The narrative delves into the lives of these two characters as they fight for justice and equality in a divided society. The plot is rich in detail, intertwining the characters' personal struggles with the larger social issues of the time, creating a powerful and emotional story that captures the reader's attention. The writing style is described as rich, engrossing, and rhythmic, drawing readers into the story and making it difficult to put the book down.
On the morning she was raped Tandia had risen just before dawn and come back to the graveside to pay her proper respects to Patel. Someone had been there before her. She looked at the grass around the...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Power of One ) - #10
Save:On Palestine by Ilan Pappe and Noam Chomsky is a collection of dialogues, interviews, and essays providing critical analysis and historical insight into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book is described as offering a great discussion on the atrocities being committed by Israel currently, shedding light on the complex history and reality of the people caught up in the conflict. The writing style is praised for its informative nature, with some readers mentioning that the book reads like an interview, making it a straightforward and engaging read.
When Frank Barat and I sat with Noam Chomsky for a long discussion about Palestine we divided our conversation into three parts: a discussion on the past, focusing on understanding Zionism as a histor...
