Synopsis
The author recounts his childhood as a white boy growing up in Africa in the 1940s. Illustrated with b&w drawings.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 1997-04-01 |
| Size | | Height: | 9.8 in | | Width: | 7.0 in | | Thickness: | 0.8 in | | Weight: | 16.8 oz |
Publisher's Note
A distinguished naturalist describes growing up in Africa during the 1940s, discussing his grandmother's farm and his adventures in the African bush with his best friend, Jabula, a Zulu chief.
Industry Reviews
In his first book for children, naturalist Watson (The Nature of Things) offers a lively anecdotal account of his childhood in South Africa. Key to his reminiscences is his observation that all Africans, both the "Old People" who lived there hundreds of thousands of years ago and the "New People," established settlers like Watson's own white family, are "linked by the land itself." The author's evocative descriptions and convincing, often funny dialogue make readers keenly aware of why he holds this land so dear. Memorable sections include portraits of Jabula, a big-hearted Zulu chief who taught the author crucial survival skills; and Ouma, Watson's grandmother, who at the age of 72 began riding a red Harley-Davidson. Readers will warm immediately to Hoover, the family warthog, who became a hero when he cornered two gun-toting poachers. West, author of several instructional books on botanical illustration, contributes finely detailed, realistic black-and-white drawings that emit a soft glow, giving them an almost retro allure; a narrow band of landscape decorates the top of each page. The tempting closing words "Come soon!" of this disarming storyteller prompt a reciprocal invitation: return before long, with more tales. Ages 9-13. (Apr.)
Lopate
Gr 4-8 A white South African boy's coming-of-age is touchingly portrayed in this collection of personal reminiscences. The setting is a remote area in the northern part of South Africa bordering Mozambique. The first part introduces Jabula, a man who would have been chief of the Zulu people if not for apartheid, but is employed, instead, by the author's grandparents. Jabula invests time in the boy, teaching him everything he knows about life and the land. "The New People" focuses on those who came and took away the land from the "Old People." The main characters are Ouma and Oupa, the aforementioned grandparents. The grandfather loves wild animals and spends most of his time watching them. Before his death, he leaves instructions that his body be given to the vultures and jackals, and strong-willed Ouma must see that her husband's wishes are carried out. The last section deals with the wildlife, particularly Hoover, a warthog who has a sense of humor and an uncanny intelligence. Finely detailed pen-and-pencil drawings illustrate each page. The author writes in a lively style, which is both amusing and moving in turn. He is eloquent about his love for Africa, its people, and its culture. It is very unfortunate, therefore, that the injustice and humiliation that the African has undergone in the system of apartheid are never mentioned. Where is the author's recognition, at the very least, that his friend Jabula was robbed of his heritage? Surely it matters not that he was kindly treated, in the face of such a loss. This blind spot has made Watson's memoirs a pleasant, mild reading experience when it could have been a powerful, unforgettable story. Gebregeorgis Yohannes, San Francisco Public Library, CA
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