Tandia – Bryce Courtenay
I have enjoyed all the books I have read by this author. This was no exception. It is the sequel to the more well known The Power of One, which was also made into a movie. It’s is set in South Africa during the aparteid regmie, and follows the story of Peekay as he pursues his boxing dream, but focusses on the story of Tandia.
Tandia is a young woman and a promising student who after being brutalised by the police, finds herself working as a prostitute. She is filed with hate for the white policeman who to her represents the brutality of aparteid. The book follows her journey to becoming a lawyer involved in the fight against aparteid.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the way it included in this fictional story, significant historial events such as the Sharpeville masacre. This helped me to understand better and appreciate the history of the struggle against apartheid, especially as the story also touches on the beginings of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed militant group of the ANC. It was labelled a terrorist group and banned by the aparteid government.
Tandia was a typical Bryce Courtenay tale. Graphic descriptions of the brutality but a fast moving story that kept me reading. Somewhere near the end, it did become a little fantastical and hence slightly less believable, but I’m so glad I read this book which lead me to read more about these times in South Africa’s history.
LOVE this book. Although it certainly helps to read Power of One first.
Courtney’s other super-powerful book is ‘April Fools Day’ – it’s his tribute to his son who died from AIDS related illnesses … his son was a haemophiliac who was infected by HIV through a blood trasfusion. Defintely worth reading, but be sure to have a box of tissues handy.
Thanks for the visit.. I have also read April Fool’s Day, although my favourite by this author would have to be The Australian Trilogy. (The Potato Factory, Tommo and Hawk, and Solomon’s Song)
Just a clarification on the summary above – Tandia is not a prostitute – she is working in the brothel and the madam puts her through school while she tends bar at night.
Anyone that is a fan of Mr Courtney’s ability to bring love and life to characters while giving you a real taste of the culture of a country should read Four Fires – by far his best work in my opinion…. I fell in love with the Maloney family and it still gives me a real sense of my own families country Australian roots… Absolutely not one to be missed!
Thanks Melliejay! You’re absolutely right now that I think about it….bad me!
I have also read Four Fires and really enjoyed it….I still think about those characters when I turn the tap on with the spoon in the sink and it splashes all over me!