Title: Child of the RiverAuthor: Irma Joubert
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: Translated from the author's native Afrikaans, Child of the River follows the life of Persomi, a young woman raised in a family of poor sharecroppers on the Fourie farm at the outbreak of WWII. Her strong relationship with her older brother, Gerbrand, and members of the Fourie family are her only connection to the outside world.
Her teacher and members of the community see her intellectual promise and help her to go on to secondary school where she can escape her home life. As she grows older, Persomi sees the many injustices and strong racism in her country and works to help those who are discriminated against.
It is difficult for her to see herself as more than a poor sharecropper's daughter, even when she has become educated and began her own job. Starting a relationship with a member of a prosperous family has Persomi questioning where she really belongs.
My Thoughts
I have read many books set during WWII but most of them are from the European or American perspective. I love getting to understand how people in South Africa were affected by the war and learning what was transpiring socially and politically at the time.
Racial discrimination and social status are major themes and are presented in a way that allows the reader to understand why the characters would react the way that they do while still clearly expressing the author's point of view. This book is different than what I have been reading recently and I am so glad that I picked it up. So much happens in this novel, but it never feels disjointed. The ending feels a bit contrived, but overall it is an enjoyable read!
Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!
To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above
I have read many books set during WWII but most of them are from the European or American perspective. I love getting to understand how people in South Africa were affected by the war and learning what was transpiring socially and politically at the time.
Racial discrimination and social status are major themes and are presented in a way that allows the reader to understand why the characters would react the way that they do while still clearly expressing the author's point of view. This book is different than what I have been reading recently and I am so glad that I picked it up. So much happens in this novel, but it never feels disjointed. The ending feels a bit contrived, but overall it is an enjoyable read!
Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!
To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above
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