Child of the River by Irma Joubert, © 2016

[Translation: Else Silke]

How can the outlook for the children in the same family be viewed so differently? Pérsomi has a special rest place in the mountains that enables her to return to her sharecropper home on the Fourie farm in the South African Bushveld. As her legs carry her swiftly to her place of rest, her heart regains its regular life flow. Aspiring to extend her learning, she borrows day old newspapers from the Big House to absorb beyond her boundaries. She has not been to the village beyond where her older brother, Gerbrand, goes to obtain employment and eventually leaves home. Respectful but apart, Pérsomi watches as her family suddenly disperses in different directions, some inward, others distantly removed.

As Pérsomi is permitted to attend further schooling from her meager seclusion, she excels and promotes jealousy and verbal assault within her hearing from the daughter of the wealthy farm owner on whose land she and her family live. Within a speaking friendship with the older son, Boelie Fourie, she realizes she can be real ~ not separate unseen.

Acadia Tree at Sunset

War causes division within the straits of land and political astute followings, dissenters and proponents who presume rightful inheritance of justice within their ranks. Pérsomi becomes a strong ally to her brother and Boelie as they struggle to maintain a sense of home.

The friendships Pérsomi makes at school and her zeal to run promote her groundings in learning and a release in exercise through athletic events. I was amazed at her concentration as she cycled within her two environments, academically and returning to her given home.

Between changing tensions and views, Pérsomi continues to pursue her goals, revealing the intent of her heart to healing and hope.

International bestselling author Irma Joubert was a history teacher for 35 years before she began writing. Her stories are known for their deep insight into personal relationships and rich historical detail. She’s the author of eight novels and a regular fixture on bestseller lists in The Netherlands and in her native South Africa. She is the winner of the 2010 ATKV Prize for Romance Novels.

***Thank you to TNZ Fiction Guild for sending me a review copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***