hollombe@ttidcc.UUCP (The Polymath) (03/22/85)
I recently posted this article to net.books. Upon reflection, I decided
that net.politics is at least equally appropriate. My apologies for the
inefficient use of net resources.
With all the flap about South Africa in the news these days, I thought it a
good time to recommend this book for anyone interested in an uncommon
perspective on the situation. The title is _Go Well, Stay Well_, by
Toeckey Jones, available from Harper & Row. It shows the South African
system from the point of view of a young girl growing up in it. To quote
from the jacket copy:
A chance encounter in Johannesburg leads to a hesitant
friendship between Candy, a privileged white girl, and
Becky, a Zulu from all-black Soweto. But they quickly
discover there is no public place where they can meet
freely. It's even risky for Becky to come to Candy's home.
Candy is amazed to learn about the harsh poverty of Becky's
life, so different from her own sheltered life. She defies
her family and white friends as her fondness for Becky
grows. Then the tension in Soweto erupts into rioting, and
tragedy threatens the friendship of the two girls.
In this first novel by a South African author, two fifteen-
year-olds challenge their country's apartheid system as they
try to overcome deep-rooted prejudices in themselves.
For once the blurb is pretty accurate about the content. The story is told
at a level suitable for ages 12 and higher, but most adults will find it
interesting and educational.
About the author:
Toeckey Jones was born in Johannesburg and grew up, she
says, "with the same kind of happy family background as
Candy's." She holds a B.A. from the University of the
Witwatersrand. She worked in South Africa as a radio news
reporter and editor before moving to London, England, where
she now lives. _Go Well, Stay Well_ is her first novel.
Speaking as an admittedly biased friend, I'd like to add that I think this
book deserves the attention of anyone interested in the background and
inside story of life in South Africa. It may also be useful for young
students writing school papers on the subject.
You most likely won't find this book in your neighborhood bookstore, but it
can probably be ordered from Harper & Row. Ask for:
_Go Well, Stay Well_
ISBN 0-06-023061-4
Copyright 1979 by Toeckey Jones
Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc.
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
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The Polymath (aka: Jerry Hollombe)
Citicorp TTI
3100 Ocean Park Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(213) 450-9111, ext. 2483
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