South African-born Kemisa Mashabane is sent to live in Edinburgh, England with the McFadden Family. A strong bond and sisterhood is formed between the McFadden’s daughter – Jennifer and Kemisa from Africa.
Kemisa meets South Africa’s black political elite – Solam Rhoyi. His breath-taking appearance and charisma sweep Kemisa off her feet. The meeting propels Kemi to travel to her homeland (South Africa) after several years away in England. Jennifer agrees to go on the trip with Kemi (her soul sister) seeking an escape from her overbearing father.
In Johannesburg, Kemisa discovers more about her past and her family. Jennifer and Kemisa’s trust and friendship get caught up in Solam’s political ambitions. Solam’s lies and secrets threaten to tear the sisters apart.
Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the Advance Review Copy.
This is my first Lesley Lokko and I must admit that I was blown away by the story. Lesley Lokko knows how to keep her readers engaged – chapter after chapter. The story starts slowly dating back generations and exploring the background and history between the McFadden’s and the Mashabane’s. By the 7th chapter, the story picked up and I was unable to put the book down.
We don’t really mix, you see. And there’s our … history
I liked that the book explored heavy subjects such as apartheid and the corruption in South Africa before and after the end of the era. I was particularly impressed with the story of Solam’s return to his country, his dirty dealings and his rise up the political ladder. Lesley Lokko beautifully displays how two sisters are caught up in a young man’s obsession with power.
I didn’t want to be one of those people who say I am going home and never go home
I loved that some part of the story centred on children of jailed political leaders “Heroes of the struggle” and how they found their way back to the homeland.
I also loved the romance between Kemsia and Solam until I found out that Solam is more of a political animal than a lover and would do anything to climb the political ladder. I was disgusted by Solam’s character – such an unpleasant character. This one took me through emotions – anger, hate, disgust…I just had to close the book and catch my breath at a point.
I loved Kemisa’s character. She is a strong and resilient black woman. Her character as a daughter, sister, doctor, lover, wife and widow was beautiful. It gave me so much joy.
Jennifer’s story was quite pitiful. I was sad for her the entire time. I would have loved to see her stand up and make some changes to her life.
The book explored subjects such as love, family, sisterhood, power, corruption, dirty politics, death, grief, mental health among others.
Lokko’s writing is simple and straight to the point conveying strong emotions. There were other minor characters I fell in love with - Julian and Ayanda. I would have loved that their individual stories be expanded a little more, especially Ayanda.
The not so good part:
The chapters were short. The chapters were cut short by the time I had gained an understanding of the events and my interest was heightened.
I found myself asking questions by the time I finished reading the book. I was hoping that Lesley Lokko would unravel some of the mysteries to the characters, however, she didn’t do that.
Some part of me wanted Lesley Lokko to explore racism. The book only scratched the surface.
A very insightful review.