September Book Club - 'Shirley, Goodness & Mercy' by Chris Van Wyk

Some of our members found it a challenge to obtain a copy of this month's selection, Shirley, Goodness & Mercy by Chris Van Wyk. Buying online was the quickest, cheapest and best option this time around. Those who purchased their copy from The Book Depository seemed to have the least problems. The books, although second hand, came within the week and all in good condition. Those who ordered the books from the American Bookstore waited weeks and weeks and as a result, weren't able to read the book in time.

As a guess, this is the only book so far that caused the group any grief in procuring.

There were mixed reviews with regard to Van Wyk's work. Most members enjoyed the author's glimpse into life as a young coloured boy growing up in the township of Riverlea, Johannesburg, South Africa. Although the shadow of apartheid lurked the writer did not dwell on this, but shared delightful anecdotes of his special relationships with his family members, both immediate and extended. He also showed the importance of humour and laughter in life.

Accounts such as this are important to one's culture. Stories of what life was like are important to build an overall picture of the life and times. They become mosaics, woven and threaded in the fabric of society.

The importance of this author's work is something we thought about and discussed at length. For those not from South Africa, it was a glimpse into another's culture. However, the bigger picture is that here was a young coloured boy, all grown up, defeating the odds to be a voice for his people and his life blood. When you think like that you gain a deeper perspective.

This book is worth picking up and visiting.

Enjoy...

Until next time,
happy reading...