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Scatterlings by Resoketswe Martha Manenzhe

Scatterlings

A Novel

by Resoketswe Martha Manenzhe

  • Critics' Consensus (3):
  • Readers' Rating (29):
  • Published:
  • Dec 2022, 288 pages
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There are currently 29 reader reviews for Scatterlings
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Elizabeth T. (Bradenton, FL)

Scatterlings
Scatterlings is at once beautiful and painful, insightful (and for those of us not familiar with the history of South Africa) educational. It is also a novel the blends historical and literary fiction. The novel takes the reader on a journey to explore what it means to belong.

The Immorality Act of 1927 is the framework around which the story unfolds. Bram a white man and Alisa, his Jamaican wife have their tenuous world upended when the Act is passed. They are the intersection of the story, trapped between the past and an unknown future and as often happens in those situations tragedy and displacement follow. Asmore
Margaret K. (Seekonk, MA)

Scatterlings
I was drawn to read this book because of the cover, then the title and finally by seeing that it was written by a young South African woman. This book did not disappoint! It is very well written and her story unfolds in a magical, almost ethereal way, although the topic at hand is very painful in world history. This is a book that speaks to today and is, in the end, very wise and hopeful. Would be a good book for book clubs/discussion groups because there are many angles from which to see the characters and their life dilemmas. Do yourself a favor and read this book! It is lovely.
Jane B. (Chicago, IL)

Scatterlings is a must read
This is a beautifully written book about Africa and apartheid, specifically the Immorality Act of 1927 and its effect on one family. Africa-the mythical origin of life on earth for some and the fulfillment of the concept of home for just two. Multi layered story of spirits and kindness in the hands of an elegant writer who lyrically weaves a sad tale that is not to be missed.
Reid B. (Seattle, WA)

Sad, beautiful, rich, and engaging
This is a beautiful, sad book, an examination of what it means to be of a place, to take a country or a continent into your heart and make it a piece of you, even as that place rejects you for merely being who you are. It is also an indictment of our historical and ongoing racial crimes, our obsession with and irrational judgments around the color of skin.

In 1927, South Africa passed the Immorality Act, making it a crime for a white person to have sexual relations with a Black one, even within marriage; in addition, their children may be seized and sent away. Both of the parties could be fined or imprisoned,more
Kate S. (Arvada, CO)

A Mixed Bag for Me
Resoketswe Manenzhe certainly has a way with words. I was captivated in the beginning of the novel by the story, and the lyrical, poetic writing. The writing was thought provoking and many passages I re read because they were so touching. I also enjoyed the folklore aspect of the novel. That being said, I did get bogged down in the middle to end of the story for some reason; I am not completely sure what caused this. Was it the storyline, the change in writing style of the journal pages, too much time in between reading sessions? Regardless, I am glad I read the novel and think it would be a good pick for Bookmore
Bettie T. (Johns Island, SC)

A beautiful book from Africa
This is a beautifully written book with both universal themes (such as tribalism, finding home, marital issues etc), as well as a strong sense of time and place. The place is South Africa, and the time is 1927 (with some memory of events prior in the lives of our characters), when the Immorality Act is passed, making sexual relations between the races a crime. The law is not an abstract idea for our main characters, a family comprising a white father, his wife (black, but not native to Africa, being descended from Jamaican slaves and raised in England) and their two children. Staying on their farm near Cape Townmore
Laura D. (Newmarket, NH)

Historical, Yet Timely
I love reading fiction by international authors because of the cultural subtleties that come through in the story telling. The author's beautiful use of language and the unique writing style immediately captivated me. The variety of characters from representative groups of people inhabiting South Africa added depth and perspective to the story. The structure of the book was also very effective, allowing the reader to hear from Alisa directly. Moreover, the story had universal appeal, with themes of identity, belonging, and home. However, the African folk stories were not easy for me to understand and integratemore
Norma R. (Secaucus, NJ)

Scattered
Scatterings is a novel set in 1927 South Africa. The Immorality Act has just been passed, it prohibits sexual intercourse between people of different races. Abram and Alisa are an interracial couple with two children. Now their entire existence is threatened. Displacement is a big part of the plot. Alisa is "scattered", black and adopted by white parents she feels she does not belong. Awful events occur that change the family's life forever. What I enjoyed most about the novel was the storytelling. Native rituals and myths are mixed in with the events that are taking place. Glad I read Scatterlings, was a book Imore

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