clairewords's review against another edition
5.0
Covering the time in her life from 23 to 40, from the lowest point in her life to one of the highest, from being pregnant with her third child, after being pushed out of her job, her husband's parting shot as he abandons them, to inform her employer of his disapproval of her working, to an unexpected job offer with the UN in New York; this second volume of autobiography was hard to put down.
What an inspiration Sindiwe is and what a gift to have witnessed her journey through reading; her perseverance and determination to make something of herself, while trying to raise children in a way to overcome the societally perceived disadvantage of being without the support or presence of the children's father.
She sees the gift inherent in his abandonment, which is an example of how strong her mind is, she rewrites the narrative of her own life and how it will be. An errant husband is one thing, trying to create a career and attain a higher education while living within a system of apartheid and not being recognised as a citizen of your own country is impossible to imagine - we are all the more fortunate to have been given such an insight into this personal and collective struggle and one courageous woman's ability to work through and overcome it, in defiance of what the govt of the time wanted for the local African population.
This volume too is an affirmation of the power and support made possible when women work in partnership, in collaboration, in community for a higher good. The various groups she becomes part of that bring women together from different races, social classes and backgrounds and the facilitated discussions they have, both bring out her natural ability as a facilitator and leader and create a safe place for all them to develop empathy, to know each other, hear differing perspectives, challenge them, look for ways to resolve problems and how to put pressure where things need to change.
It reminds me if Riane Eisler's [b:Nurturing Our Humanity: How Domination and Partnership Shape Our Brains, Lives, and Future|45150709|Nurturing Our Humanity How Domination and Partnership Shape Our Brains, Lives, and Future|Riane Eisler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572138230l/45150709._SY75_.jpg|69829898], and the pockets of a Partnership System approach to living and being that already exist, that women naturally are capable of creating if given a chance, or are bold enough to go ahead and create these circles anyway.
Oh I wish there was a third volume, I do hope she might be writing one, covering the last 30 years. However I also understand why since her retirement she has been writing children's books, creating a necessary resource for children in her country and around the world, to learn, be entertained and create understanding, hope and belief in the ability for situations to change.
Highly Recommended.
What an inspiration Sindiwe is and what a gift to have witnessed her journey through reading; her perseverance and determination to make something of herself, while trying to raise children in a way to overcome the societally perceived disadvantage of being without the support or presence of the children's father.
She sees the gift inherent in his abandonment, which is an example of how strong her mind is, she rewrites the narrative of her own life and how it will be. An errant husband is one thing, trying to create a career and attain a higher education while living within a system of apartheid and not being recognised as a citizen of your own country is impossible to imagine - we are all the more fortunate to have been given such an insight into this personal and collective struggle and one courageous woman's ability to work through and overcome it, in defiance of what the govt of the time wanted for the local African population.
This volume too is an affirmation of the power and support made possible when women work in partnership, in collaboration, in community for a higher good. The various groups she becomes part of that bring women together from different races, social classes and backgrounds and the facilitated discussions they have, both bring out her natural ability as a facilitator and leader and create a safe place for all them to develop empathy, to know each other, hear differing perspectives, challenge them, look for ways to resolve problems and how to put pressure where things need to change.
It reminds me if Riane Eisler's [b:Nurturing Our Humanity: How Domination and Partnership Shape Our Brains, Lives, and Future|45150709|Nurturing Our Humanity How Domination and Partnership Shape Our Brains, Lives, and Future|Riane Eisler|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572138230l/45150709._SY75_.jpg|69829898], and the pockets of a Partnership System approach to living and being that already exist, that women naturally are capable of creating if given a chance, or are bold enough to go ahead and create these circles anyway.
Oh I wish there was a third volume, I do hope she might be writing one, covering the last 30 years. However I also understand why since her retirement she has been writing children's books, creating a necessary resource for children in her country and around the world, to learn, be entertained and create understanding, hope and belief in the ability for situations to change.
Highly Recommended.
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