Shirley, Goodness & Mercy: A Childhood in Africa

Shirley, Goodness & Mercy: A Childhood in Africa

by Chris Van Wyk (Author)

Synopsis

Despite Van Wyk's later becoming involved in the anti-apartheid 'struggle', this is not a book about racial politics. Instead, it is a delightful account of one boy's special relationship with the relatives, friends and neighbours - often decidedly quirky - who made up his community, and of the important coping role laughter and humour played during the years he spent in bleak, dusty townships.

In Shirley, Goodness & Mercy, Chris van Wyk has created a truly remarkable record of life in the Coloured community at once both informative and vastly entertaining.

'A lovely book; well told and beautifully executed' Cape Times

'Well worth waiting for, this is a memoir not to miss' Sunday Independent

'Van Wyk's strength is to look at the world as if with the innocent eyes of a child and to convey this hopeful vision to others' Sowetan

'An authentic and important contribution to South African literature; it is also an entertaining social document of a specific community.' Mail and Guardian

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 315
Edition: New edition
Publisher: Picador
Published: 04 Aug 2006

ISBN 10: 0330444832
ISBN 13: 9780330444835

Author Bio
Chris van Wyk was born in Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto in 1957. He was educated at Riverlea High School in Riverlea, Johannesburg where he still lives and works as a full-time writer. He writes poetry, books for children and teenagers, short stories and novels.