28 pages • 56 minutes read
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362
Novel • Fiction
South Africa • 1860s
1985
Adult
14-18 years
Set in mid-nineteenth century South Africa, Fiela's Child by Dalene Matthee centers on Fiela, a hard-working South African woman who raises a white boy, Benjamin, found on her doorstep. Nine years later, census workers claim Benjamin resembles a missing child from Knysna and he is forced to live with his supposed biological family, causing him to grapple with identity, family loyalty, and racial division.
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Contemplative
Dalene Matthee's Fiela's Child is widely praised for its evocative portrayal of South African culture and its compelling narrative. Readers commend the depth of its characters and its exploration of identity and family. Critics note, however, that the pacing can be uneven, and some plot developments strain credulity. Overall, it's a poignant and thought-provoking read.
A reader who enjoys Fiela's Child by Dalene Matthee would likely appreciate richly textured historical novels centered on themes of identity, family, and societal conflict. Fans of Alan Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country or Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible would be drawn to Matthee's evocative storytelling and intricate character dynamics.
362
Novel • Fiction
South Africa • 1860s
1985
Adult
14-18 years
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