by Dalene Matthee
This novel is based in the late 1870’s of Knysna, South
Africa. This happens to be a common trend among Matthee’s novels, having
several based in Knysna alone. This of course can be attributed to the fact
that she was born in Southern Cape, South Africa. Dalene’s story revolves
around a little white boy named Benjamin, who was left at Fiela’s doorstep when
he was three. It continues on, skipping ahead nine years when a census has to
be taken. It should be noted that Fiela is a coloured woman, so questions start
to arise and conflicts ensue.
Fiela must struggle with having to fight for Benjamin who
might have just met his birth parents, white woodworkers. Being set in the late
1800’s, Fiela obviously encounters many problems with race and economic
standing. Meanwhile, Benjamin (or Lukas), has to deal with his new surroundings
and trying to find his way back home to the only mother he has ever known.
Faith is pushed to its limits and desperation boils over. This is a sad story
about the severed bond between a mother and her child and the constant
obstacles mounting against them as they try to connect once again.
Having read all 350 pages of the book, I can say that if
you’re in the mood to read, this would be a nice casual read. Matthee does a
fantastic job jumping from perspective to perspective without hindering much of
the continuing plot. You can sympathize with Fiela, feeling the constant
struggles and disappointment that she encounters along her journey. You can
learn more and more history about the area of Knysna and find out what people
had to suffer through. I found myself halfway through the entire book, not
realizing just how many pages I had already finished. If you enjoy these types
of novels, I would encourage you to pick up a copy of Fiela’s Child.
Book Review by Danny S.
No comments:
Post a Comment