South Africa Books

I spent a year in South Africa in 98/99. The SA guide wasnt available before I left and I really wish it was. I saw it through others who came over after I arrived and it had current info and stuff you wouldnt find inthe other guides. Lonley Planet is good to have but I've found that a good chunk of the info is out of date. I'm going back to the area in June and the first book I got was the most recent edition of Lets Go South Africa. If your headin to southern africa get the Lonely Planet BUT dont forget to leave without your copy of Lets Go SA, its a tool you cant do without.

I visited South Africa in May of 2000. I had the Let's Go 2000 South Africa book with me and it was like my bible. It explained customs and suggested the best places to visit. I also visited Namibia and Botswana and this book was a tremendous help. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone visiting South Africa...you'll love it. You'll need it!

I ACTUALLY HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK YET, BUT I DO INTEND TO PURCHASE IT. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I SAW SINDIWE ON THE BOOK CHANNEL FOR THE HARLEM BOOK FAIR I BELIEVE, IT WAS ON VERY LATE SO I APOLOGIZE FOR NOT KNOWING THE FACTS..I WAS CONCENTRATING ON REMEMBERING THE TITLE OF HER BOOK. AND I MUST SAY SHE WAS THE CUTEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN, VERY CHARISMATIC AND FULL OF BEAUTIFUL GLORIOUS LIGHT. HER FIESTYNESS AND HUGE LOVING EYES INSPIRED ME SOMEHOW WITHIN. HER PERSONALITY ALONE ENCOURAGED ME TO BUY THIS BOOK. I WILL WRITE A REVIEW ONCE I READ IT THOUGH :) THANK-YOU ;)

This book provides different accounts on the difficulty of being a woman during Apartheid. Many of the stories are of African women who served as servants (very low paying and often demeaning work) to the white families living in a South African society under Apartheid. A few chapters describe the difficulty of being a white woman as well, being treated as second class citizens from their husbands and men. Racial predjudice is the underlying theme and the struggle just to survive day to day life is described in great detail. Children are also represented in this book, the African children's lives were often no better then their parents. This book is easy to read and is a great way to learn more about society during Apartheid.

Anthony Marx's comparative study on the construction of race in the United States, Brazil and South Africa is promising if one wants a general historical overview about how race was constructed in each setting. Marx emphasizes how each state, in its own process of state building, constructed racial/racist ideologies to unify the white power structure at the expense of Blacks. He explores the institutions of colonialism, slavery and apartheid to make his case. He also explores how the ideology of black nationalism emerged as unifying response among Blacks to resist white domination. The book is a good read, however his historical account is completely male biased. Marx fails to consider the role gender played in the construction of these racial ideologies. His account is state-centered, which effectively excludes other important social and political factors in the formation of race identity. This becomes painfully clear in the chapter on Black racial identity, mobilization and reform in the U.S. Also, Marx relies too heavily on secondary sources, which dampens the reliability of his analysis.

In looking at race it's necessary to get perspective. Travel opens up new vistas. We perceive ourselves one way, others around the world see things differently. What countries come to mind when you think about racism? South Africa definitely; but now that the country has majority rule, it's immediately less racist. Austria, Japan and Yugoslavia also come to mind, but they're not multiracial societies. That Anthony Marx has chosen to compare racial policy in Brazil, South Africa and the US, seems to confirm the widely held world view that the US is one of the most racist nations in the world. Is this true? What do these three nations have in common in their history of segregation?

Marx states that the US and South Africa practiced policies of segregation principally for the purpose of "state and nation building". He argues that in both cases the ruling white elite were faced with crises; problems of prosperity and national order. In South Africa, following the Boer War of 1899-1902 there was no chance of unity among Afrikaners and British settlers. In the US, the experience of Radical Reconstruction following the Civil War, was, for some, akin to rubbing salt into fresh wounds. Marx states that in order to achieve accomodation among whites, blacks were made scapegoats. It's not surprising then to learn that the 1870's were when the first Jim Crow laws were passed in the US and the early 1900's saw the first South African Apartheid acts.

Where does Brazil fit in? Marx says that racism is as prevalent there as it is here but it's characteristics are different. There is a pervasive preferrence for 'whiteness', seen in attempts to 'Europeanize' the country through encouragement of immigration from the continent. Brazil however did not institutionalize racism as South Africa and the US did; interracial marriages were never illegal in Brazil. Also, because of multiple color categories of Brazilian citizens there was no possibility of the emergence of rigid, 'caste-like', color classifications that developed here. South Africa had 'coloreds' but they were caught in political 'no-mans-land' in the battle between the bantu majority and white minority.

It's an interesting and thoroughly reasoned proposition that Marx developes and expounds on in his book. The comparisons between the US and South Africa are nothing new, but the addition of Brazil as a counterpoint to the others is rather unique.

Victor Smith was a young man with an adventurous spirit when he flew across uncharted areas of Africa in the early 1930's. Today he would be calles irresponsible but he helped pioneer todays airline routes.

Victor flew in an era when modern day aviators with the romance of flying in their blood would love to have flown. It is a forgotten era but with Victors book the memory of those wonderful days lives on. Those wishing to persue aviation as a carreer or a hobby need to read this book as a background to appreciate the great courage of the airmen of that day, and the incredible advances in technology that have made flying what it is today. The book is in its second print and is available at exclusive books or direct from Vivienne at vivbw1@mweb.co.za Captain Wally Waldeck SA

Professor Clegg tells the compelling story of freed African Americans who helped found Liberia, the West African country whose destiny, for better or for worse, has been intertwined with its 'stepchild-like' relationship with the United States. The book is well written and a fascinating read both for the specialist and the general reader. My only critique is that by focusing on one particular group of individuals, Professor Clegg sacrifices the proverbial forest for a tree, albeit in this case a most alluring tree. This book would best be read by someone who has first taken a look through a good political history of Liberia like the ones written by Professors Amos Claudius Sawyer, THE EMERGENCE OF AUTOCRACY IN LIBERIA (Institute for Contemporary Studies, 1992); Stephen Ellis, THE MASK OF ANARCHY (New York University Press, 1999); and John Peter Pham, LIBERIA: PORTRAIT OF A FAILED STATE (Reed Press, 2004).

Professor Clegg tells the compelling story of freed African Americans who helped found Liberia, the West African country whose destiny, for better or for worse, has been intertwined with its 'stepchild-like' relationship with the United States. The book is well written and a fascinating read both for the specialist and the general reader. My only critique is that by focusing on one particular group of individuals, Professor Clegg sacrifices the proverbial forest for a tree, albeit in this case a most alluring tree. This book would best be read by someone who has first taken a look through a good political history of Liberia like the ones written by Professors Amos Claudius Sawyer, THE EMERGENCE OF AUTOCRACY IN LIBERIA (Institute for Contemporary Studies, 1992); Stephen Ellis, THE MASK OF ANARCHY (New York University Press, 1999); and John Peter Pham, LIBERIA: PORTRAIT OF A FAILED STATE (Reed Press, 2004).

Now, before you buy and/or start reading John's books (this one or the other, "Brazil: Life, blood, soul", which in many ways is similar to this one), you should know what you're in for:

* John is British.
* John likes to travel.
* John is gay.
* John likes to go to parties and start them off by eating small pills with smiley faces on them.

And all this is not only evident from, but actually emphasized in his writings. So if you're heavily into any of those bullet points, preferably more than one of them, you're likely to enjoy the books.

I only share the travel bit with him, but I have traveled in South Africa and am always eager to compare my own experiences with those of others. Although John's trip takes him through much of South Africa, do not think this is an adventurous trip in any way. Basically he has been traveling on the Baz Bus, a backpackers' door-to-door transport service, guaranteed to see you through safely. Neither does he do anything out of the ordinary or on his own, but just signs up for daytrips offered by the hostels where he's staying. Which of course is fine, as it will probably be relevant to what you yourself will be doing if you ever go there.

As a supplement to a standard travel guide (Lonely Planet/Rough Guides), this book will help you to understand not necessarily more of South Africa, but probably sooner than you would have if you had not read it. It's well written, although I would not have missed it if he had concentrated less on the gay dance clubs early on in the book.

John will not write so much about traveling. Instead he'll be very happy to throw in lengthy anecdotes about stuff he learns and finds interesting about the places he travels through. You're likely to find it interesting, too.

Bjørn

PS: The title of this review is just the best anagram I could come up with from the book's title now. Don't put too much into it.

After reading and greatly enjoying John Malathronas book on Brasil, I was looking forward with great anticipation to his new book on South Africa. I was not disappointed. As with his book on Brasil, John mixes facts, history, humour and social commentary in equal measure to provide a finished effort which is impossible to put down, and this is from a determined non bookworm!! Normally most books take me weeks if not months, Johns two efforts lasted two weeks and one week respectively (the Brasil book is almost twice the size of the South Africa one!)
Frankly, I find many travelogues disappointing and stodgy, with the writers unsure on the balance to be maintained between facts and anecdotes, and in most cases, theres almost no history at all.
John on the other hand clearly spends a significant amount of time researching his subject. I have visited South Africa, and Brasil, on many occasions, yet Johns books have provided me with insights,and a wealth of new knowledge, and most importantly, presented in a balanced and digestible format which is guaranteed to have you galloping forward to the next page or the next chapter.
The criteria which is always in my mind when I read a travel guide is this. Does the book make you want to go there? In the case of Rainbow Diary, yes, absolutely and totally, now I need to return to South Africa to visit places highlighted by Johns book which in the past I have missed. In fact, as I read the book, my next travel itinerary for South Africa was formulating itself in my mind.On the other hand, if you simply want to know and understand a lot more about two very large and complex countries without actually going there, the two books by John Malathronas come very very highly recommended.I cant wait for the next one!!!

This is a good solid entertaining story. I am an avid reader and some books I enjoy more than others. This is one I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading more by this author.

They grew up on a South African farm that was converted to a tourist game preserve, but relocated to England when their mother became ill. The older sister, the responsible Poppy, marries architect Eduardo, has two children with him, and they adopt a third. She also has cared for her mother while having success in the London theater. She seems to have a perfect life at least in the eyes of her sibling Carrie, who envies her. Carrie believes that she has by comparison accomplished nothing in her personal or professional life though her catering business is going well and she writes about and arranges photo shoots on food.

In Paris, Carrie observes Eduardo flirting outrageously with another woman. Though she knows better, she cannot stop herself from going after the obviously bored Eduardo. The opportunity arises on the family's annual pilgrimage to their childhood home in South Africa even though the two participants know how much this will hurt Poppy.

SISTERS is an intriguing sibling rivalry starring two wonderful sisters agonizing over mistakes that have caused a schism between them. Though on the surface, Poppy seems like the good seed and Carrie the bad seed, Prue Leith provides depth so that the audience as they learn more about each sister realizes neither is all bad or all good. This critical element makes for a substantial character study even if everything wraps up into a perfectly sweet delicacy when jealousy and ire grip both siblings for most of the novel.

Harriet Klausner

Dear Reader,
This book is very useful. It can't be read in one sitting since it is quite dense, but it provides a marvelous level of detail aobut South Africa. Great as a reference book and, although it must be read over a long period of time, it also has an engaging narrative. It has excellent newspaper political cartoons that give a sense of the political commentary of the day.
EAC

S Africa is one of those countries that seems to create both dangerous and yet fundamental historical precedents. Its history is peopled by individuals who went on to become great by any world measure: not only did Mahatma Gandhi pioneer his methods of non-violent protest there, but Winston Churchill first distinguished himself for his leadership qualities during the Anglo-Boer War. Then there was Nelson Mandela, a man who emerged from over 25 years as a political prisoner without bitterness and ready to help a divided society begin to heal. And there are scores of others, including the ruthless Cecil Rhodes and dynamic chiefs whose struggel to maintain their culture and independence was doomed. Of course, S Africa set a series of horrible precedents as well: the refinement of civilian concentration camps at the turn of the century, institutionalised racism, and the heartless exploitation of captive ethnic groups.

Unfortunately, instead of telling these tales with drama and flair, this book gets bogged down in laborious descriptions of the recommendations of obscure commmissions, tallying election results, and the complete details of discriminatory wage policies. Alas, reading this offers about as much pleasure as wading through a Webster College Dictionary page by page. How can academics turn something so fascinating into a sludge of seemingly disconnected facts? In the rate moments when I felt my interest rising on a particular topic, the authors abrupty dropped it in the middle and fail to follow it up.

Moreover, though it purports to be a modern and updated history, this book stops at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (yes, it gets boring treatment as well) and barely even addresses the twin crises that threaten to rip this fragile new society apart: escalating random violence and the threat of Aids, which may kill 25% of the population or more in the next ten years. Can S Africa continue even to exist? Was all the struggle for naught? If you are interested in these questions, you have to look somewhere else, I'm afraid. The authors don't even offer a conclusion to sum up their points of view.

Look elsewhere, unless you crave scholarly detail at the expense of even minimal storytelling.

Now that the South African apartheid system has been dismantled, James McClure's mystery novels are historical artifacts, but they remain well-written, absorbing portraits of a society obsessed with racial purity.

In The Steam Pig, McClure, a South African who left to live in England, takes some incredible-sounding incidents (based on things that actually happened in South Africa in those days) and makes the reader understand what it was like to live under apartheid.

A young woman is murdered, and the investigation of her murder leads to her family of origin, who have been suddenly and arbitrarily reclassified from white to "Coloured" (mixed race) without explanation or appeal. The account of how this reclassification affects every aspect of their lives vividly illustrates why South Africa earned worldwide condemnation for its internal policies.

In charge of the investigation is Kramer, an Afrikaner (descendant of early Dutch settlers), who over the course of the books has developed a respect for the detecting smarts of his Zulu driver, Zondi.

While Kramer conducts investigations in the normal way, Zondi gossips with the suspects' black household servants and casually asks exactly the right questions to learn their employers' deepest secrets.

We eventually learn who killed the young woman, and the solution has everything to do with the country's warped racial politics.

While South Africa still has many problems, the society portrayed in McClure's novels no longer exists, for which we can be grateful.

the startling beauty of the remains did not distress the undertaker, Mr. Abbott. But, when he got to the toes, and found the name-tag had there, he was deeply distressed.

One simply must be dialectical about it, which is hard to do. On the one hand, it celebrates in a deeply human and comic way the "new South Africa" of the 1990s--a fragile creation that needed to be celebrated both at home and abroad. And contrary to Fugard's harshest critics, he raises some difficult issues that he refuses to paper over completely (land reform and restitution, rural unemployment, the lingering effects of White privilege, etc). On the other hand, the play releases the tension of these problems in a syrup of sentimentality that, perhaps to your ironist's sense of horror, really does work its magic on audiences (present company included). So what the heck do you do with this play? I still don't know, in the big scheme of things. However, there are many smaller schemes that cause me no such difficulty. If you are interested in South African literature, I think you should feel obligated to read it. Ditto if your work takes you into the fields of political theatre. Perhaps the most exciting context in which to read this play would be to place it alongside our own country's history of sentimental/literary attempts to resist and 'work through' racism. Finally, the play can also be seen as taking place within the rhetorical space of "truth and reconciliation," a topic that embraces an exciting range of literature from Eastern Europe to South America.

With the blight of apartheid lifted from South Africa, Athol Fugard, that nation's dominant voice in the theater, turns toward a quieter, more introspective story. It is daring in its simplicity, and absolutely shattering in its emotional impact. Its lovely, rural musings on hope, despair, and growth resonate far beyond the fields the action inhabits. There is an excellent framing device of an author (meant to represent Fugard, himself) in whose perceptual inadequacies we find a mirror for our own. Highly recommended.