The common bond in this impressive collection of ten thought-provoking short stories is communication; as characters try to connect with others. Adult, teen, and child narrators offer a range of experiences and perspectives; some of these naïve, unreliable or flawed. In " …more You Are Not Alone", a new wife who has left her family in Brazil, contemplates the challenge of becoming a stepmother: "She will have to learn how to speak to a young girl in a language that isn't her own, she will have to learn motherhood." (p90)

Not all of the stories worked for me; but the ones that I found most memorable offered nuance, insight, and hope. Vara writes beautifully, and packs a good deal of character development; message and meaning into these short tales. Her work is perceptive and balanced; though I especially appreciated her female characters; some flawed, some fearful or feisty. I also delighted in the appreciation of print encyclopedias in "Sibyls"; and the comfort reading together brings mother and child in "Puppet Master Made the Puppets". (less)

Through compelling stories, Makhene shows the cruel injustice of life during apartheid, and on to the present day where its tragic legacy continues. Soweto Township was designed to house, and contain, Black workers who labored in Johannesburg or nearby mines. Even with …more limited aspirations and homes with dirt floors, Soweto beckoned Blacks who had been driven from tribal homelands: “They came riding cattle lorries. The whole world traveling with them, herded onto truck flatbeds.”

Through varied perspectives, rich dialogue, and traditional storytelling; Makhene offers an indelible portrait of Soweto’s inhabitants, young and old. My reading progress was slow as I looked up unfamiliar slang words and phrases; and historical references.

This wonderful collection rewards careful reading; offering an unflinching perspective on a historical era that is relevant to current events in South Africa and the US. Innards contains scenes of tragic injustice and violence; these are balanced with humor and insight. Overall, Makhene conveys hope through the resilience and unbroken spirits of her characters. (less)

This engaging novel draws readers in with compelling plot twists, interesting characters, and an unusual perspective on the Civil Rights era. Set in 1957, Alice has fled a dangerous situation when she happens upon New Jessup, Alabama; an all-black community which offers her …more a haven and eventually, a home. In this seemingly idyllic place, the residents resist integration in favor of a self-built, small town where they can live and raise families away from the hateful injustice that is present elsewhere in the Jim Crow South. Alice finds love but also uncovers threats and weaknesses to her new home, both from within and outside. With its nuanced approach to history, this is a great book to share and an excellent choice for book groups. It offers a timely reminder that social change often comes with a cost; though the darker messages are leavened with an appreciative nod to Black resourcefulness and community. (less)

I was drawn to this debut novel when I saw author Resoketswe Manenzhe described as a storyteller. In Scatterlings, she proves to be a masterful storyteller; weaving stories throughout the narrative, and crafting indelible images and characters.
Mythic stories are at the …more heart of this historical novel, along with beguiling prose and unforgettable characters. Stories are recorded in journals; told to comfort children; and lonely people fall in love as they share stories. Some of the most powerful stories are told by wise serving women, Nanny Gloria and Josephina.
The perspective shifts among characters, including Dido. Though still a child, her wide-eyed gaze perceives sadness in the adults around her. Dido diligently records her observations in a journal, as she hopes to be a storyteller herself someday.
Scatterlings is often sad and unsettling; nonetheless, I recommend it to readers who want to understand South Africa's tragic legacy of racism. Set almost 100 years ago, this novel feels relevant and even hopeful, in its quietly satisfying conclusion. (less)