Reviews by Robin (5)

Johannesburg observations

The Near North

Another book that was written during the Covid year. An enjoyable read, at times funny, sometimes sad, others shocking but always entertaining. The author and his partner spend a lot of time simply walking around various parts of the ‘near north’ of Johannesburg. He takes note of all the changes taking place, the people that they see and gives us a bit of history of the area. Some personal stories are described which makes it a more intimate read. Described as a “…bitter-sweet ramble through the streets of Johannesburg…” by Jonny Steinberg to which I would agree.

Lekker!!

Bad Liar

A lekker murder mystery detective novel taking place in hot sweaty Louisiana. Swamps, alligators, red-necks, drugs, murder and good and bad cops. Suspense filled, it has it all and is a great weekend read.

Thought provoking read

Unearthed

Unearthed is a personal story about Claire Ratinon’s journey to feel connected to the land and her roots. Growing up in cities she felt distant from nature and unsure about where she belonged. Her life changed when she found a rooftop farm in New York which got her curious about growing food and gave her life some meaning. She left her media job and on return to London started finding food gardens and like-minded people there. She and her partner moved to the country and she started her own vegetable garden. She writes a lot about history, colonialism, racism and slavery especially related to Mauritius, her family’s home. I found the book to be very thought provoking and a few times I had to sit back and consider Claire’s point of view on the subjects of race, BLM and so on. The book was also written during the Covid year so deals with that subject as well. I enjoyed the book and enjoyed the message that we should all get back to ‘earthing’ ourselves.

Captivating, humorous, at times horrifying

James

I enjoyed reading this adventure book. Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim/James who is far more intelligent than he makes out to be to protect himself, his family and other slaves from the attention of the slave owners. At times quite horrifying and eye-opening regarding the treatment of slaves by owners and managers. An entertaining read that I got through very quickly.

An enjoyable read, a reminder of our recent past.

The Inheritors

Non-fiction book about South Africa before, during and after 1994 mainly through the eyes of three young South Africans. Christo who joined the SADF in the late 80’s hoping to be sent to the border but ends up in the townships and the unrest there before the ’94 elections. Dipuo a Soweto resident who becomes part of the anti-apartheid resistance in the townships and her daughter Malaika. Based on interviews by the author. The book illustrates the complexity of the time and that things were not as straight forward as made out to be by both sides of the political spectrum. It goes on past the election euphoria and tells what happened to them after these times. An open and honest book and worth reading to remember what we have been through. As an aside, on page 25 the author describes Oudtshoorn as a town divided from the Indian Ocean by a ridge! The Outeniqua Mountains a ridge!!