A review by katemutsch
Innards: Stories by Magogodi oaMphela Makhene
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Incredibly written look at life in Soweto through apartheid and ongoing colonialism. Rooted in a love for her home and the actual language of the local people (some Dutch, Afrikaans, and South African English), the author explicitly does not cater to the white gaze/European English. Have google ready, not only for quick translations but also for history lessons bc Makhene does not hold your hand and explain everything.
It’s absolutely brutal in its honesty, not hiding any of the ugliness of the time and place from the reader but it’s also not without humor and warmth in moments between the recurring characters.
This was absolutely my most challenging read this year but I’d say it’s also the most rewarding in terms of expanding my own knowledge of the world, and for that I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it. This is is the type of book that reminds me why I love reading and I’m excited to see where the future takes this talented (af) author.
It’s absolutely brutal in its honesty, not hiding any of the ugliness of the time and place from the reader but it’s also not without humor and warmth in moments between the recurring characters.
This was absolutely my most challenging read this year but I’d say it’s also the most rewarding in terms of expanding my own knowledge of the world, and for that I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read it. This is is the type of book that reminds me why I love reading and I’m excited to see where the future takes this talented (af) author.