Behind The Walled Garden of Apartheid: A Memoir by Datnow, Claire Klein (2010) Paperback

by Claire Datnow, Boris Datnow (Photographer)

Set against the backdrop of the draconian apartheid regime, Behind the Walled Garden of Apartheid, Datnow's memoir of growing up in South Africa deftly conjures up the era's blatant racism and the rich African landscape. The author vividly recreates her growing up years as white and Jewish at the height of the apartheid regime from 1948-1965, and her struggle as a young adult to come to terms with the wrongdoings of that dark era. The memoir is both a fascinating historical account and an intriguing personal narrative painted with humor and sensitivity.

218 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2010

About the author

Claire Datnow grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her family originates from Lithuania. Claire immigrated to the United States with her husband, Dr. Boris Datnow, in 1965. She wears many colorful hats—nature lover, conservationist, historian, world traveler, and writer. THE ADVENTURES of The SIZZLING SIX: ECO MYSTERY series (grades 4-8) . RED FLAG WARNING: AN ECO ADVENTURE, climate change fiction. Blogs at: http//www.mediamint..net. She has published numerous works of nonfiction ranging from news features and educational materials, to biographies for young adults. She taught gifted and talented children, in the Birmingham, Alabama Public School System. She has received numerous scholarships and grants including a Beeson Samford University Writing Project fellowship, a Folk Life Grant from the Alabama Arts Council, a Fulbright Memorial Fund teacher scholarship to Japan, the Blanche Dean Award for Environmental Education, and Birmingham Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Claire Blogs on the ENVIRONMENT, HISTORICAL NOVELS, and MEMOIRS. You can visit her Blogs at: www.mediamint.net

Reviews

[Ramey Channell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Datnow's memoir of growing up in South Africa gives the reader an eye-opening and substantive view of the injustice and cruelty of apartheid. Seen through the eyes of a young girl growing up and coming of age in a protected and separate environment, this account is truthful, intimate, and authentic. I enjoyed reading about Claire's everyday life and her observations of the people and the world around her.