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A review by clairewords
Agaat by Marlene van Niekerk
4.0
Milla is the only child of a farming family and set to inherit and work her own farm, she is poised to marry Jak as the book opens. The novel explores the growing tension in their relationship through Milla's diaries and the effect of Milla bringing a four year old girl from a troubled family, who has suffered prolonged abuse, into their childless marriage.
The books chapters alternate between the beginning of their life on the farm and the present, when the the girl Agaat, now a mature woman is caring for Milla as her body shuts down, paralysed, infirm, communicating only through her eyes with that character she supposedly "tamed" who she is now completely dependent on for everything.
Narrated through diary excerpts, an omniscient narrator and with a prologue and epilogue that gives voice to the estranged son; it is a haunting, disturbing read and insight into a way of living, cultural attitudes and the longevity of revenge.
Full review here at Word by Word.
The books chapters alternate between the beginning of their life on the farm and the present, when the the girl Agaat, now a mature woman is caring for Milla as her body shuts down, paralysed, infirm, communicating only through her eyes with that character she supposedly "tamed" who she is now completely dependent on for everything.
Narrated through diary excerpts, an omniscient narrator and with a prologue and epilogue that gives voice to the estranged son; it is a haunting, disturbing read and insight into a way of living, cultural attitudes and the longevity of revenge.
Full review here at Word by Word.