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Dochters van Zuid-Afrika
Persomi
Boelie is Mister Fourie se oudste seun en erfgenaam; Pérsomi is die bywonerskind. Maar Pérsomi is slim, waarskynlik te danke aan haar onbekende biologiese pa.
’n Baie spesiale vriendskap ontwikkel tussen Boelie en Pérsomi, maar iets hou Pérsomi terug – waarom kan sy nie met oorgawe liefhê nie? En wanneer sy as baie jong prokureurtjie inwillig om die Indiërwinkeliers se gedwonge verskuiwing in die hof te beveg, bring dit haar in direkte konflik met die gemeenskap – én met Boelie.
Te midde van alles bly die vraag: wie is Pérsomi se pa? En wanneer sy eindelik uitvind, hoe sal dit haar lewe beïnvloed? Want daar blyk ’n bloedverwantskap tussen haar en Boelie te wees . . .
Hierdie roman, wat aansluit by die topverkoper Anderkant Pontenilo, speel af in die Bosveld teen die agtergrond van die stormagtige politiek van die 1940’s en die Apartheidswette van die 1950’s.
’n Baie spesiale vriendskap ontwikkel tussen Boelie en Pérsomi, maar iets hou Pérsomi terug – waarom kan sy nie met oorgawe liefhê nie? En wanneer sy as baie jong prokureurtjie inwillig om die Indiërwinkeliers se gedwonge verskuiwing in die hof te beveg, bring dit haar in direkte konflik met die gemeenskap – én met Boelie.
Te midde van alles bly die vraag: wie is Pérsomi se pa? En wanneer sy eindelik uitvind, hoe sal dit haar lewe beïnvloed? Want daar blyk ’n bloedverwantskap tussen haar en Boelie te wees . . .
Hierdie roman, wat aansluit by die topverkoper Anderkant Pontenilo, speel af in die Bosveld teen die agtergrond van die stormagtige politiek van die 1940’s en die Apartheidswette van die 1950’s.
512 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
119 people are currently reading
2044 people want to read
About the author
Irma Joubert
20 books352 followersIrma Joubert is gebore en getoë in die Bosveld (Nylstroom) en het aan UP studeer. Sy begin eers skryf toe sy einde 2004 aftree ná 35 jaar van onderwys. Sy publiseer verskeie artikels en kortverhale in tydskrifte en word in 2005 aangewys as Media24 se “Spesialis Joernalis van die Jaar”. Beide haar Tussen stasies-trilogie en haar Pontenilo-trilogie, asook die eerste boek van haar Oorlogstrilogie, naamlik Immer wes, is in Nederlands vertaal waar dit telkens onder die topverkopers tel. Vier van haar boeke is reeds in Duits vertaal en HarperCollins in Amerika het The girl from the train (Tussen stasies) in 2015 wêreldwyd bekend gestel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
June 24, 2020
This one had it all: a strong female character, issues of apartheid and a little romance.
Honestly, this one held my heart. An amazing story with an amazing character, Persomi, who was Born out of poverty in South Africa during the oppressive apartheid. She received an education - fighting all the odds - and became a passionate lawyer. Fighting against the country for the rights of those who the country want to split with.
Rich with character development, dynamics of relationships, this was a beautiful and intense read.
With everything that is going on in the world, decades later, and still the same themes trouble the world globally.
5⭐️
Honestly, this one held my heart. An amazing story with an amazing character, Persomi, who was Born out of poverty in South Africa during the oppressive apartheid. She received an education - fighting all the odds - and became a passionate lawyer. Fighting against the country for the rights of those who the country want to split with.
Rich with character development, dynamics of relationships, this was a beautiful and intense read.
With everything that is going on in the world, decades later, and still the same themes trouble the world globally.
5⭐️
November 24, 2016
The bushveld, South Africa, Parsomi and her family are bywoners. Yes, I had to look this term up, they are tenant farmers, farm the owners land but allowed to fame some on their own. They are poor, their home a crumbling wreck most of the time, often wondering where the money for their next meal will come from and their father isms terrible man. Parsomi though, is smart, has dreams. She is closest to her elder brother and a young man named Boelie. These two will play different but significant roles in her life.
The beginning of apartheid, the political climate of the forties and fifties, not an easy time, a time of great civil unrest, loved the intermingling of this history with the story of Persomi and her family, friends. Her character is wonderfully drawn, she is caring to her family, but even at a young age she is willing to give voice to injustice, unfairness. This is her story with the political maneuvering sometimes taking center stage, sometimes as a background. I also loved the way this was written, it flowed beautifully, the style not overly dramatic just extremely well written. I became immersed in Persomi's life, applauded her successes and felt her sorrow. Her joirney is a remarkable one and she is first a striving girl and then a young woman willing to do anything for those close to her and for those trying to right a wrong. Wonderful, heartfelt story.
The beginning of apartheid, the political climate of the forties and fifties, not an easy time, a time of great civil unrest, loved the intermingling of this history with the story of Persomi and her family, friends. Her character is wonderfully drawn, she is caring to her family, but even at a young age she is willing to give voice to injustice, unfairness. This is her story with the political maneuvering sometimes taking center stage, sometimes as a background. I also loved the way this was written, it flowed beautifully, the style not overly dramatic just extremely well written. I became immersed in Persomi's life, applauded her successes and felt her sorrow. Her joirney is a remarkable one and she is first a striving girl and then a young woman willing to do anything for those close to her and for those trying to right a wrong. Wonderful, heartfelt story.
July 4, 2020
Irma Jourbert began her writing career after a 35-year career teaching history, and her knowledge shines through in this novel. In 1938, spunky and vibrant eleven-year-old Pérsomi is a middle child in a bywoner (sharecropper) household in South Africa’s bushveld. Her copper-haired older brother, Gerbrand is her protector and confidante. When he leaves for work in Joburg, his advice to her is “if Pa wants to hit you, or touch you in any way at all, run for it.” Pérsomi assures him that she is a fast runner. Not only that, but Pérsomi is also bright, good at her studies, and enjoys reading second-hand newspapers. She doesn’t however, feel like she is a real person, like the Fouries, who live in the Big House next door and own the farmland.
Joubert’s well-written story immerses me in Pérsomi’s life as she grows up in a troubled home where her mother seems constantly distracted by the demands of family life, answering Pérsomi’s comments with, “Heavens, don’t ask so many questions,” or “don’t make up stories.” Many nights, she will spend on the mountain in a cave to escape her home situation. Neighbor, Boelie Fourie becomes her closest friend when Gerbrand joins the South African Infantry known as the ‘Red Tabs,’ a group frowned upon by most Afrikaners due to their fighting for the British. Thus begins the political side of this story and a much more interesting way to learn history than a lecture could ever be.
There is a quiet, sweet romance but one embroiled in its own frustrations and communication traps. Jourbert’s prose is simple and well crafted. I would have liked more depth in descriptions of the setting, especially the bushveld. Pérsomi seeks out the cave, the mountain, but I wanted more about this landscape and perhaps the animals that inhabit it. This novel’s power is in its main characters and the politics of the time. I learned about the origination of apartheid and how laws came into being that implemented the segregation of races. The laws were like wolves in sheep's clothing, supposedly supporting the tribes and different races, but ultimately, guaranteeing inequality. In this story, the Group Areas Act of 1951 will play a role as the town council where Pérsomi lives, plan to oust the Indians that have always lived in the town’s center where their businesses are located. This history shows that laws do not always bring justice; sometimes just the opposite. Pérsomi is a noble figure, fighting for what she believes in; in her time and place an unpopular cause.
Joubert’s well-written story immerses me in Pérsomi’s life as she grows up in a troubled home where her mother seems constantly distracted by the demands of family life, answering Pérsomi’s comments with, “Heavens, don’t ask so many questions,” or “don’t make up stories.” Many nights, she will spend on the mountain in a cave to escape her home situation. Neighbor, Boelie Fourie becomes her closest friend when Gerbrand joins the South African Infantry known as the ‘Red Tabs,’ a group frowned upon by most Afrikaners due to their fighting for the British. Thus begins the political side of this story and a much more interesting way to learn history than a lecture could ever be.
There is a quiet, sweet romance but one embroiled in its own frustrations and communication traps. Jourbert’s prose is simple and well crafted. I would have liked more depth in descriptions of the setting, especially the bushveld. Pérsomi seeks out the cave, the mountain, but I wanted more about this landscape and perhaps the animals that inhabit it. This novel’s power is in its main characters and the politics of the time. I learned about the origination of apartheid and how laws came into being that implemented the segregation of races. The laws were like wolves in sheep's clothing, supposedly supporting the tribes and different races, but ultimately, guaranteeing inequality. In this story, the Group Areas Act of 1951 will play a role as the town council where Pérsomi lives, plan to oust the Indians that have always lived in the town’s center where their businesses are located. This history shows that laws do not always bring justice; sometimes just the opposite. Pérsomi is a noble figure, fighting for what she believes in; in her time and place an unpopular cause.
May 8, 2022
The human spirit and emotions in this book are so well written. I was completely captivated by Persomi's character. Most books I read, I like the heroine but I don't always agree with or understand everything they do but with Persomi it was different. I rooted for her, I understood her, I related to her, not on the outside but in the heart and soul of her. I am a huge fan of coming-of-age stories and this one is remarkable. My own emotions were completely in tune with this book. Life and loss, love and pain, rejection and acceptance, it's all here. There were times while reading I had to stop, close the book and just breath. This is not a feel-good book but a deeply satisfying story. One I will not soon forget. The history of South Africa is a huge part of the storyline. I loved learning new and interesting things about this country and it's culture. Personally, I would not classify this as Christian fiction but as inspirational fiction.
November 26, 2016
Child of the River is the second novel by South African Author Irma Joubert translated from her native Afrikaans to English. As with The Girl From the Train, this second translated novel spans the course of many years.
There are multiple stories within the pages and main character Persomi is at the center of each of them. This novel is partly a story of overcoming hardship, partially a love story and also a story about South African politics. While I found some of the political story line difficult to follow due to my limited knowledge, it was both interesting and educational.
More compelling for me was the dynamics of Persomi's home life and social status. Her mother in particular, was a frustrating character.
It was a lovely story and I look forward to reading future novels by the author.
My gratitude to Thomas Nelson Zondervan's Fiction Guild for a complimentary copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
There are multiple stories within the pages and main character Persomi is at the center of each of them. This novel is partly a story of overcoming hardship, partially a love story and also a story about South African politics. While I found some of the political story line difficult to follow due to my limited knowledge, it was both interesting and educational.
More compelling for me was the dynamics of Persomi's home life and social status. Her mother in particular, was a frustrating character.
It was a lovely story and I look forward to reading future novels by the author.
My gratitude to Thomas Nelson Zondervan's Fiction Guild for a complimentary copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 11, 2017
Subject matter not where I wanted to focus, but compellingly presented. South African racial policy and extremely abusive step-father,etc.
While reading, there were times I recalled scenes from the Power of One and Tandia. Also coming to mind was Matthee's South African ...
Power Of One
Circles in a Forest
While reading, there were times I recalled scenes from the Power of One and Tandia. Also coming to mind was Matthee's South African ...
Power Of One
Circles in a Forest
October 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book of one girls life set against the South African backdrop of political unrest during the Second World War and the apartheid,
The characters were great, especially strong willed Persomi, who took her life into her hands and overcame the hardships facing her, but my favourite thing about this book was the setting. The on,y other book I have read set in South Africa is the girl from the train, by the same author, so it was unique and interesting to me. It was a great reminder of how global the Second World War was, I normally tend to think of Europe, and forget that people all over the globe joined the fight, it was also interesting to read about how the apartheid affected Asians.
I highly recommend this book, not only for the unforgettable story, but for the interesting setting as well.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the review copy of this book.
The characters were great, especially strong willed Persomi, who took her life into her hands and overcame the hardships facing her, but my favourite thing about this book was the setting. The on,y other book I have read set in South Africa is the girl from the train, by the same author, so it was unique and interesting to me. It was a great reminder of how global the Second World War was, I normally tend to think of Europe, and forget that people all over the globe joined the fight, it was also interesting to read about how the apartheid affected Asians.
I highly recommend this book, not only for the unforgettable story, but for the interesting setting as well.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the review copy of this book.
April 21, 2022
Afrikaanse review of IRMA JOUBERT: Pérsomi: Kind van die brakrant.
English version: Child Of The River
Boeke in die trilogie:
1. Anderkant Pontenilo
2. Pérsomi
3. Kronkelpad
KATEGORIE: Suid-Afrikaanse historiese fiksie. Die ligte weergawe.
Irma Joubert skryf 'n sielvolle storie oor die lewe van Pérsomi Pieterse - 'n bywonerskind op die brakrant van die Fouries se plaas. Dit het nie eintlik saak gemaak wat die nuttelose dronkaard Lewies Pieterse sou aanvang nie, mister Fourie was hulle altyd genadig. As daar geslag word en die Pieterse, sonder Lewies, moes gaan help vleiswerk, was hulle darem gelukkig om die derms te kry as waardering vir hulle hardewerk. En ja, as mevrou Fourie dit goed gedink het, kon hulle 'n paar bene kry om te gaan afkook. Dit het selde gebeur.
Die Pieterses was 'n my-kinders-jou-kinders-en-onse-kinders gesin. Pérsomi en Gerbrand was Jemima se 'my-kinders'. Sussie en Piet was Lewies se broedsel voor Jemima ingetrek het. Gertjie en Babie was die ondervoede verwaarloosde 'ons kinders' wat net-net aan die lewe vasgeklou het.
Gerbrand het geweet wie sy pa was, maar Jemima wou nie sê wie die spermskenker vir Pérsomi was nie. Sy't gebelowe om nooit te praat nie. Dit was deel van Jemima se verlede toe sy nog geglo het dat haar jeugdige, natuurlike skoonheid vir haar 'n ryk man sou oplewer in haar naïewe jonkheid. Net Lewies Pieterse het haar uiteindelik 'n uitkomste gegee toe die dobbelsteen van haar drome vir haar verkeerd geval het.
Van kleintyd af kom die lang skraal Pérsomi vinnig hardloop. Sy't geweet om naaste aan die deur te slaap op die klapperhaarmatras in die kombuis. Gerbrand het haar gewaarsku voor hy weg is Johannesburg toe. Sussie was nie so gelukkig nie. Maar so het Pérsomi se voete begin jeuk wanneer sy aanslagte van Lewies se nagtelike dwalings; die regte regte mense se kinders op die plaas; die vernedering by die skool; of emosionele worsteling wou ontduik. Dan het sy dikwels opgeëindig hoog in die grot van haar berg waar haar ontvlugting vrede gebring het.
Sy was duidelik anders as die ander Pieterse kinders, en genadiglik vrygeskeld van haar ma se gebrek aan opvoeding en intelligensie. Sy was baie duidelik haar onbekende pa se kind. Hoogsintelligent, en 'n natuurlike presteerder. Sy kon haar man staan. Pérsomi was besonders. Veral toe sy groot veranderings veroorsaak in die gesin se lewe met haar uitgesproke eerlikheid.
Die historiese tydperk in Suid-Afrika vanaf die 1940s tot vroeg 1960s plooi die gebeure in die Bosveldse kleindorpie. Somtyds het dit geïrriteer, bloot omdat dit ligte aanhoudende bolangse kwashale van die geskiedenis was sonder enige noemenswaardige diepte. MAAR... Dis ook die rede waarom die boek 'n ligte historiese ervaring was waarin die skryfster daarin geslaag het om haar lesers se belangstelling te behou en respek vir al haar karakters te plooi.
Behalwe vir slegte Lewies Pieterse en sy naatjie Piet, was al die mense in die kleingemeenskap inherent goeie mense met verskillende sienings oor die uitdagings wat oor hulle gerol het. Die Indiër gemeenskap was nie so gelukkig nie toe Apartheid in sy volle glorie die wetboeke getref het. Hartverskeurend.
Een na die ander moes die karakters aanpas of ondergaan. Op die ou einde het almal dit gemaak en die uiteindelike slotsom van die boek was 'n gelukkige een. Amen daarvoor. En sommer 'n besliste vyfde ster toegeken vir dit. Daar's nie onnodige derms uitgeryg nie.
Die roman is wonderlike ontspanningslektuur: intens, meesleurend, bekend, passievol, en aan te bevele. En genugtig ja, die leser was nooit gedwing tot voyeurisme nie. 'n Mens stap weg as 'n familielid wat gegroei het en genees word deur hierdie storie.
English version: Child Of The River
Boeke in die trilogie:
1. Anderkant Pontenilo
2. Pérsomi
3. Kronkelpad
KATEGORIE: Suid-Afrikaanse historiese fiksie. Die ligte weergawe.
Irma Joubert skryf 'n sielvolle storie oor die lewe van Pérsomi Pieterse - 'n bywonerskind op die brakrant van die Fouries se plaas. Dit het nie eintlik saak gemaak wat die nuttelose dronkaard Lewies Pieterse sou aanvang nie, mister Fourie was hulle altyd genadig. As daar geslag word en die Pieterse, sonder Lewies, moes gaan help vleiswerk, was hulle darem gelukkig om die derms te kry as waardering vir hulle hardewerk. En ja, as mevrou Fourie dit goed gedink het, kon hulle 'n paar bene kry om te gaan afkook. Dit het selde gebeur.
Die Pieterses was 'n my-kinders-jou-kinders-en-onse-kinders gesin. Pérsomi en Gerbrand was Jemima se 'my-kinders'. Sussie en Piet was Lewies se broedsel voor Jemima ingetrek het. Gertjie en Babie was die ondervoede verwaarloosde 'ons kinders' wat net-net aan die lewe vasgeklou het.
Gerbrand het geweet wie sy pa was, maar Jemima wou nie sê wie die spermskenker vir Pérsomi was nie. Sy't gebelowe om nooit te praat nie. Dit was deel van Jemima se verlede toe sy nog geglo het dat haar jeugdige, natuurlike skoonheid vir haar 'n ryk man sou oplewer in haar naïewe jonkheid. Net Lewies Pieterse het haar uiteindelik 'n uitkomste gegee toe die dobbelsteen van haar drome vir haar verkeerd geval het.
Van kleintyd af kom die lang skraal Pérsomi vinnig hardloop. Sy't geweet om naaste aan die deur te slaap op die klapperhaarmatras in die kombuis. Gerbrand het haar gewaarsku voor hy weg is Johannesburg toe. Sussie was nie so gelukkig nie. Maar so het Pérsomi se voete begin jeuk wanneer sy aanslagte van Lewies se nagtelike dwalings; die regte regte mense se kinders op die plaas; die vernedering by die skool; of emosionele worsteling wou ontduik. Dan het sy dikwels opgeëindig hoog in die grot van haar berg waar haar ontvlugting vrede gebring het.
Sy was duidelik anders as die ander Pieterse kinders, en genadiglik vrygeskeld van haar ma se gebrek aan opvoeding en intelligensie. Sy was baie duidelik haar onbekende pa se kind. Hoogsintelligent, en 'n natuurlike presteerder. Sy kon haar man staan. Pérsomi was besonders. Veral toe sy groot veranderings veroorsaak in die gesin se lewe met haar uitgesproke eerlikheid.
Die historiese tydperk in Suid-Afrika vanaf die 1940s tot vroeg 1960s plooi die gebeure in die Bosveldse kleindorpie. Somtyds het dit geïrriteer, bloot omdat dit ligte aanhoudende bolangse kwashale van die geskiedenis was sonder enige noemenswaardige diepte. MAAR... Dis ook die rede waarom die boek 'n ligte historiese ervaring was waarin die skryfster daarin geslaag het om haar lesers se belangstelling te behou en respek vir al haar karakters te plooi.
Behalwe vir slegte Lewies Pieterse en sy naatjie Piet, was al die mense in die kleingemeenskap inherent goeie mense met verskillende sienings oor die uitdagings wat oor hulle gerol het. Die Indiër gemeenskap was nie so gelukkig nie toe Apartheid in sy volle glorie die wetboeke getref het. Hartverskeurend.
Een na die ander moes die karakters aanpas of ondergaan. Op die ou einde het almal dit gemaak en die uiteindelike slotsom van die boek was 'n gelukkige een. Amen daarvoor. En sommer 'n besliste vyfde ster toegeken vir dit. Daar's nie onnodige derms uitgeryg nie.
Die roman is wonderlike ontspanningslektuur: intens, meesleurend, bekend, passievol, en aan te bevele. En genugtig ja, die leser was nooit gedwing tot voyeurisme nie. 'n Mens stap weg as 'n familielid wat gegroei het en genees word deur hierdie storie.
December 4, 2016
Wow, what a story!
Somehow both sparse and rich in its prose, Child of the River opened my eyes to the beginnings of apartheid in South Africa and the lives of two very different families--one wealthy, the other dirt poor.
Both filled with lifelike characters and realistic heartache that stretched decades and impacted multiple lives.
Persomi is an absolutely fascinating heroine; watching her grow to adulthood, learning to live and love and stretch her tender but powerful wings, was a memorable experience. I felt her losses intensely as well as her joys.
I appreciate authors whose work inspires me to write more bravely, and author Irma Joubert does that.
At times while reading I wished for different circumstances for these beloved characters--Persomi, Gerbrand, Boelie--but I respect this story and its truth, and the ending rang true and deeply emotional.
I loved The Girl from the Train and this book was just as good. I'll be on the lookout for more from this talented purveyor of story fraught with deep human emotion and layers of historical detail. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction with romantic threads and inspirational elements, though minimal.
Somehow both sparse and rich in its prose, Child of the River opened my eyes to the beginnings of apartheid in South Africa and the lives of two very different families--one wealthy, the other dirt poor.
Both filled with lifelike characters and realistic heartache that stretched decades and impacted multiple lives.
Persomi is an absolutely fascinating heroine; watching her grow to adulthood, learning to live and love and stretch her tender but powerful wings, was a memorable experience. I felt her losses intensely as well as her joys.
I appreciate authors whose work inspires me to write more bravely, and author Irma Joubert does that.
At times while reading I wished for different circumstances for these beloved characters--Persomi, Gerbrand, Boelie--but I respect this story and its truth, and the ending rang true and deeply emotional.
I loved The Girl from the Train and this book was just as good. I'll be on the lookout for more from this talented purveyor of story fraught with deep human emotion and layers of historical detail. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction with romantic threads and inspirational elements, though minimal.
August 30, 2019
This is the eight and last book I read for this year's Women in Translation Month. I discovered Irma Joubert's 'Child of the River' during one of my browsing sessions at the bookshop. The reason it appealed to me was that the author was South African and she didn't write this in English. These days the default assumption is that all South African writers write in English. But South Africa is a complex and linguistically rich country and English is not the only language there. So I was very excited to see Irma Joubert's book. Irma Joubert writes in Afrikaans, and this is the first time I am reading an Afrikaans book.
Pérsomi is a eleven year old girl. She is white but her family is very poor. She has many siblings. Her father is an unkind person and her mother is a nice person who gets bullied very easily. Pérsomi and her family live in a small house which is near the farm where her father works. The story describes Pérsomi's life as she discovers secrets about her family, goes to the high school in town and distinguishes herself well, makes new friends, the kindness and affection and friendship shown by neighbours, how she falls in love and what happens after that. I just want to leave the story there – you should read the book to find out what happens next.
The book is set during the time just before the Second World War and the story continues till around the late '60s. So we get to know a lot about South African history of that time, the tensions between the Afrikaner population and the England-supporting government, the onset of the Apartheid era and how it impacted people. The story is rich in historical detail and I loved learning the history of South Africa of that time, watching it unfold through Pérsomi's eyes. Sometimes I couldn't stop laughing, when reading about the racist laws that idiotic politicians of that time enacted. I thought to myself, "Who does this? Doesn't it look silly and illogical and idiotic? Why can't they see that?" When some of the lawyers, government officials, politicians in the book defend an unfair, racist law and say, "This is the law", we want to scream at them, and quote the legendary first lines of William Gaddis' 'A Frolic of His Own' – "Justice? -You get justice in the next world, in this world you have the law." It would have been comic if it was not tragic. Irma Joubert gives a detailed account of some of these laws, and some of them play an important part in the story, which is fascinating to read. The life of the Afrikaners of that time is also portrayed quite beautifully in the story. Irma Joubert's prose is spare and simple and moves the story at a wonderful pace. Pérsomi is a fascinating heroine and it is interesting to follow her life and loves. This book got me so interested in South African history, that I want to read a book on South African history soon.
'Child of the River' is a fascinating historical novel. It is also a beautiful love story and a beautiful story of friendship. I loved it. I can't wait to read more books by Irma Joubert.
Have you read 'Child of the River'? What do you think about it?
Pérsomi is a eleven year old girl. She is white but her family is very poor. She has many siblings. Her father is an unkind person and her mother is a nice person who gets bullied very easily. Pérsomi and her family live in a small house which is near the farm where her father works. The story describes Pérsomi's life as she discovers secrets about her family, goes to the high school in town and distinguishes herself well, makes new friends, the kindness and affection and friendship shown by neighbours, how she falls in love and what happens after that. I just want to leave the story there – you should read the book to find out what happens next.
The book is set during the time just before the Second World War and the story continues till around the late '60s. So we get to know a lot about South African history of that time, the tensions between the Afrikaner population and the England-supporting government, the onset of the Apartheid era and how it impacted people. The story is rich in historical detail and I loved learning the history of South Africa of that time, watching it unfold through Pérsomi's eyes. Sometimes I couldn't stop laughing, when reading about the racist laws that idiotic politicians of that time enacted. I thought to myself, "Who does this? Doesn't it look silly and illogical and idiotic? Why can't they see that?" When some of the lawyers, government officials, politicians in the book defend an unfair, racist law and say, "This is the law", we want to scream at them, and quote the legendary first lines of William Gaddis' 'A Frolic of His Own' – "Justice? -You get justice in the next world, in this world you have the law." It would have been comic if it was not tragic. Irma Joubert gives a detailed account of some of these laws, and some of them play an important part in the story, which is fascinating to read. The life of the Afrikaners of that time is also portrayed quite beautifully in the story. Irma Joubert's prose is spare and simple and moves the story at a wonderful pace. Pérsomi is a fascinating heroine and it is interesting to follow her life and loves. This book got me so interested in South African history, that I want to read a book on South African history soon.
'Child of the River' is a fascinating historical novel. It is also a beautiful love story and a beautiful story of friendship. I loved it. I can't wait to read more books by Irma Joubert.
Have you read 'Child of the River'? What do you think about it?
July 28, 2017
A beautifully written coming of age story about Persomi, a South African girl born into poverty who grows up during WWII and apartheid. With a bit of help and a lot of determination, Persomi is able to go to school and later have a successful career. She was a remarkable and compassionate character, never faltering from her convictions. Seeing Persomi grow up and the decisions she made along the way made for a page-turning book.
While a few of the political and legal bits went over my head (however, I never felt overwhelmed), I loved the author’s particular attention to the history and culture and I loved learning about it. The politics and racial division of the time play a vital part in Persomi’s story, and it’s clear the author put a lot of time into her research.
I loved this book. Even better than The Girl from the Train!
While a few of the political and legal bits went over my head (however, I never felt overwhelmed), I loved the author’s particular attention to the history and culture and I loved learning about it. The politics and racial division of the time play a vital part in Persomi’s story, and it’s clear the author put a lot of time into her research.
I loved this book. Even better than The Girl from the Train!
April 22, 2025
Bijzonder boek over een arm meisje dat opgroeit in roerige tijden in Zuid-Afrika, een verhaal dat me zeker bij blijft!
August 15, 2016
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
My interest in Irma Joubert's Child of the River was sparked by the WWII reference in its jacket description which is hilarious as, after reading it, I'd never recommend the book as war era fiction. The conflict is little more than a footnote in the grand scheme of Persomi's story and while I was somewhat disappointed by that reality, I am happy to note that I do not consider the time I spent with Child of the River wasted. The book is a slow starter and it wasn't at all what I expected, but once the story got going it proved utterly impossible to put down.
I'm sure there are those who will feel Persomi anachronistic, but I thought her fascinating. She has a unique background and I loved how the disadvantages she experienced as a child authenticated her views and understandings as an adult. Persomi grew up on the social fringe so it wasn't difficult to believe her empathy for the disenfranchised. I liked that. Too often I see characters who defy their era, upbringing, and class and I appreciated Joubert for creating a heroine who was atypical enough to be interesting, but equally appropriate to her era.
Conceptually, I also liked an idea that Joubert played with over the course of the narrative. It's subtle, but the suggestion that it is the children who suffer the indiscretions of the past intrigued me. Persomi doesn't know her own history and her journey to unlock those mysteries impacts her in ways that shape the course of her life and cause her to reinvent herself several times over. Long story short, Joubert used Persomi to explore some very deep emotions and I think brought a lot to the narrative.
Historically, speaking, I greatly enjoyed the world Joubert created within these pages. South Africa is not a locale I see often and I appreciated the crash course I received as the story progressed. Child of the River chronicles a time and place that I knew very little about and I feel that Joubert's illustration of the social and political movements of the day afforded me a great deal of insight.
Child of the River was not what I expected, but it surprised me in the best possible way. It isn't my typical fair, but I'd definitely recommend it to other readers.
My interest in Irma Joubert's Child of the River was sparked by the WWII reference in its jacket description which is hilarious as, after reading it, I'd never recommend the book as war era fiction. The conflict is little more than a footnote in the grand scheme of Persomi's story and while I was somewhat disappointed by that reality, I am happy to note that I do not consider the time I spent with Child of the River wasted. The book is a slow starter and it wasn't at all what I expected, but once the story got going it proved utterly impossible to put down.
I'm sure there are those who will feel Persomi anachronistic, but I thought her fascinating. She has a unique background and I loved how the disadvantages she experienced as a child authenticated her views and understandings as an adult. Persomi grew up on the social fringe so it wasn't difficult to believe her empathy for the disenfranchised. I liked that. Too often I see characters who defy their era, upbringing, and class and I appreciated Joubert for creating a heroine who was atypical enough to be interesting, but equally appropriate to her era.
Conceptually, I also liked an idea that Joubert played with over the course of the narrative. It's subtle, but the suggestion that it is the children who suffer the indiscretions of the past intrigued me. Persomi doesn't know her own history and her journey to unlock those mysteries impacts her in ways that shape the course of her life and cause her to reinvent herself several times over. Long story short, Joubert used Persomi to explore some very deep emotions and I think brought a lot to the narrative.
Historically, speaking, I greatly enjoyed the world Joubert created within these pages. South Africa is not a locale I see often and I appreciated the crash course I received as the story progressed. Child of the River chronicles a time and place that I knew very little about and I feel that Joubert's illustration of the social and political movements of the day afforded me a great deal of insight.
Child of the River was not what I expected, but it surprised me in the best possible way. It isn't my typical fair, but I'd definitely recommend it to other readers.
dnf
July 28, 2024DNFd because it was so character focused, slice of life/coming of age style of story telling, which isn’t my jam.
It did seem like it would be quite gritty and hard hitting though
September 25, 2020
I was disappointed in this novel for a number of reasons. I was expecting a post-WW2 story of South Africa as it introduced Apartheid into law. But instead I found a coming-of-age story of a poor white girl and her ambitions to leave her life as a share-cropper's daughter and move up in the world. There is mention of Apartheid and the divisions it deepened between races but it was not at all the focus, nor was is frowned upon as backwards and divisive. Instead there is a love interest, a question of paternity and an inordinate amount of text dedicated to gown colours and shoes. The factual content containing dates and laws were awkward insertions into a rather banal novel and flat character.
Moving on ...
Moving on ...
December 13, 2016
When I heard the author of The Girl From The Train had a new novel out, I knew I had to read it. As in the case with The Girl From The Train, I was spellbound by her literary genius. This book takes place in South Africa and follows a young girl from a sharecropper family growing up in poverty during WWII and after. This book gives insight into the history during that time in South Africa with apartheid and segregation. The author did a beautiful job with the characterization and development of the story. I especially loved the romance between the heroine and hero. I really did enjoy this novel and I highly recommend it. *I was given a copy by net galley. This is my honest opinion.
July 2, 2021
If you want to read a book about South Africa that doesn't believe that people of color exist (except for one immigrant from India), this is your book. Unfortunately, you'll also have to live with a protagonist who we're told is smart, but doesn't act smart and a love interest who allies with the Nazis. I must confess that I skimmed the last half of the book so I might have missed something. But I don't think so.
April 18, 2013
As ek kon, sou ek hierdie boek in een sitting klaar gelees het. Ek het elke keer gevoel of ek my kind groet as ek die boek moes neersit. Dis goed dat Persomi se storie ook vertel is. Die geskiedenis deel was vir my baie interessant. Albei kante is met deernis geskets. Maar my hart was seer oor die Indiërs. Ek sien uit na die laaste boek in die reeks.
June 30, 2022
4,5 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover
Irma Joubert is mij ondertussen niet meer onbekend en telkens weet ze mij te bekoren met prachtige aangrijpende verhalen. Net als haar andere boeken is ook dit verhaal gebaseerd op waargebeurde feiten.
'Kind van de rivier' is het 1ste deel van de Fourie trilogie. Pérsomi woont met haar moeder, broers en zusjes op het terrein van de rijke meneer Fourie. Ze zijn een typisch bijwonersgezin: arm, moeder zelfs analfabeet en sociaal onderontwikkeld.
Pérsomi wil een betere sociale status en mede dankzij haar intelligentie en studiebeurzen, kan ze zich ontwikkelen en kan ze het zelfs schoppen tot advocaat.
Opnieuw is dit een aangrijpend en prachtig verhaal. Het schenkt veel aandacht aan geschiedkundige feiten en leerde mij ook hoe zo'n bijwonersgezin leeft. Het is een vrij dik boek, maar toch leest het heel vlot.
Er zijn van bij het begin veel personages en dit is niet altijd eenvoudig om alle families goed uit elkaar te houden. Dat was dus een notitieboekje.
Naar het einde toe wordt er veel aandacht besteed aan de Zuid-Afrikaanse apartheid. In het laatste hoofdstuk worden ook belangrijke historische feiten die in de rest van de wereld aan de orde zijn benoemd en verweven in het verhaal.
Dit vertelt een grschiedenis en je krijgt vlug de indruk dat je zelf getuige bent van alle gebeurtenissen. Ook de natuur- beschrijvingen maken het volledige verhaal heel aantrekkelijk. Sommige delen vond ik zelfs vrij ontroerend en zat ik met een krop in de keel.
Op naar de rest van de trilogie!
Irma Joubert is mij ondertussen niet meer onbekend en telkens weet ze mij te bekoren met prachtige aangrijpende verhalen. Net als haar andere boeken is ook dit verhaal gebaseerd op waargebeurde feiten.
'Kind van de rivier' is het 1ste deel van de Fourie trilogie. Pérsomi woont met haar moeder, broers en zusjes op het terrein van de rijke meneer Fourie. Ze zijn een typisch bijwonersgezin: arm, moeder zelfs analfabeet en sociaal onderontwikkeld.
Pérsomi wil een betere sociale status en mede dankzij haar intelligentie en studiebeurzen, kan ze zich ontwikkelen en kan ze het zelfs schoppen tot advocaat.
Opnieuw is dit een aangrijpend en prachtig verhaal. Het schenkt veel aandacht aan geschiedkundige feiten en leerde mij ook hoe zo'n bijwonersgezin leeft. Het is een vrij dik boek, maar toch leest het heel vlot.
Er zijn van bij het begin veel personages en dit is niet altijd eenvoudig om alle families goed uit elkaar te houden. Dat was dus een notitieboekje.
Naar het einde toe wordt er veel aandacht besteed aan de Zuid-Afrikaanse apartheid. In het laatste hoofdstuk worden ook belangrijke historische feiten die in de rest van de wereld aan de orde zijn benoemd en verweven in het verhaal.
Dit vertelt een grschiedenis en je krijgt vlug de indruk dat je zelf getuige bent van alle gebeurtenissen. Ook de natuur- beschrijvingen maken het volledige verhaal heel aantrekkelijk. Sommige delen vond ik zelfs vrij ontroerend en zat ik met een krop in de keel.
Op naar de rest van de trilogie!
September 28, 2018
We need more Christian fiction like this. Engaging, and different from the genre's usual fare, this was a great read.
September 15, 2018
I enjoyed this as much as The Crooked Path, which has the same characters and setting. I liked how Joubert does not describe in great length about Persomi's feelings and lets the reader imagine the inexplicable emotions.
Generally, there is a dearth of boy-girl friendship without any romance in Christian Fiction. Hence I was delighted to see Persomi and Reinier's friendship through their initial light and later comfortable conversations.
Generally, there is a dearth of boy-girl friendship without any romance in Christian Fiction. Hence I was delighted to see Persomi and Reinier's friendship through their initial light and later comfortable conversations.
January 30, 2018
I picked this book for one main reason. Its set in South Africa, the land of my birth (ah, you thought I was entirely British, didn't you?). It was a good story, and the characters were wonderful: Persomi (what a lovely name!), was an incredibly strong and resilient character who developed a lot on the course of the story, and learned to stick up for what was right through the friendships and relationships formed in the course of her lifetime.
Nor is this Saccharin sweet Christian Fiction: the characters are realistically flawed, very flawed, and some very disturbing things happened, as do go on in real life. The course of love and life does not run smoothly for all the characters, as their life stories weave into each other, as told from the perspective of the heroine.
Yet, whilst this was worth the read, there was something that bugged me throughout the story. Although my family was British emigrants to South Africa and not Afrikaans, I grew up with some knowledge of certain terms and phrases, and the culture of the land. Which makes me conclude that this book did not quite 'feel' South African enough. Yes, the landscape, geography flora and fauna were right, and the details about history, even some of the attitudes.
However, this book was clearly translated with an American audience in mind: which resulted in the use of frequent Americanisms which seemed really out of place. They don't tend to talk about school 'vacations', 'recess' changing 'diapers' or visiting the local 'store'.
I'd like to have seen more actual Afrikaans words. And perhaps more exploration of how certain laws and groups impacted people. For example, I really had a problem with how Boelli, Persomi's best friend and the love of her life, was basically a vile racist, who joined a group with Nazi affiliations during the war. I can understand how as a naive teenager she did not seem to have a problem with it and felt sorry for him when he was arrested, but he never seemed to renounce those ideas (though he left the group), which were at odds with her later stance against Apartheid. They say love is blind, and in that case, I think it really was.
Nor is this Saccharin sweet Christian Fiction: the characters are realistically flawed, very flawed, and some very disturbing things happened, as do go on in real life. The course of love and life does not run smoothly for all the characters, as their life stories weave into each other, as told from the perspective of the heroine.
Yet, whilst this was worth the read, there was something that bugged me throughout the story. Although my family was British emigrants to South Africa and not Afrikaans, I grew up with some knowledge of certain terms and phrases, and the culture of the land. Which makes me conclude that this book did not quite 'feel' South African enough. Yes, the landscape, geography flora and fauna were right, and the details about history, even some of the attitudes.
However, this book was clearly translated with an American audience in mind: which resulted in the use of frequent Americanisms which seemed really out of place. They don't tend to talk about school 'vacations', 'recess' changing 'diapers' or visiting the local 'store'.
I'd like to have seen more actual Afrikaans words. And perhaps more exploration of how certain laws and groups impacted people. For example, I really had a problem with how Boelli, Persomi's best friend and the love of her life, was basically a vile racist, who joined a group with Nazi affiliations during the war. I can understand how as a naive teenager she did not seem to have a problem with it and felt sorry for him when he was arrested, but he never seemed to renounce those ideas (though he left the group), which were at odds with her later stance against Apartheid. They say love is blind, and in that case, I think it really was.
March 26, 2020
Pérsomi, een meisje uit een achtergesteld milieu, groeit in de jaren '40 op in Zuid-Afrika. Ze is slim en vindt haar weg in het leven. Mooi taalgebruik, eenvoudig, open, eerlijk en vurig. Tegelijk krijg je een inkijk in de opkomst van de apartheid.
August 15, 2025
eerste helft was veelbelovend
daarna het historische verhaal over invoering apartheid interessant
maar liefdesverhaal wat erdoorheen loopt erg onrealistisch, zwijmelachtig en niveau kliko
daarna het historische verhaal over invoering apartheid interessant
maar liefdesverhaal wat erdoorheen loopt erg onrealistisch, zwijmelachtig en niveau kliko
April 8, 2024
Een van de mooiste boeken die ik in tijden heb gelezen🤍
April 28, 2025
Liefde voor boeken van Irma Joubert. Zelfs als één van de hoofdpersoon een advocaat is die De Wet heet.
August 19, 2023
Mooie roman geeft inzicht in de zuid-afrikaanse geschiedenis en de belevingswereld van de inwoners. De hoofdpersoon lijkt de ideale persoon, wat een beetje onrealistisch overkomt af en toe :)
September 18, 2018
Child of the River is a novel set in South Africa during the 1950’s, with the story spanning over a decade. The story is set during the apartheid and deals with some heavy racial and religious discrimination. I learned a lot about politics during this time period in South Africa. I found the first half of the novel to be slow and I kept reading a little bit at a time and then putting the book down. It took me a lot longer than normal to finish the first half of this book, and I even wanted to read something in between to get a break. This is definitely not a book that I would normally pick up, but I am glad that I did! As soon as Persomi starts working at the law firm...BAM the story drastically picks up! Perhaps it was the translation, but the writing style of the story felt all over the place. Can I just say there were 2 instances in this book when I wanted to walk away from this book and never return?!? …. AHHH!! ( Trust me you’ll know when you get to these points!) There is also a random point in the story ( I believe on page 275ish) that the point of view of the story changes from Persomi to Annabell...I found this very strange, as it only happens in the story once for a few pages.
The Child of the River has quite a few characters, but Persomi, our main character stole the show. Her coming of age story shows how she stands up for what she believes in no matter the opinions of others close to her or the consequences. Can we talk about Persomi’s mother? It’s really a wonder how Persomi turned out to be an amazing woman with such influences in her life. Persomi leaves her poor uneducated family (but she never truly leaves), to complete her schooling and rise above in a respectable career. It really goes to show you that environmental influence has a huge impact, but if you want change in your life enough you can overcome your circumstances. I’m not sure how Persomi was so patient with her ma, if I was attempting to communicate with her and she responded with her typical “Oh Persomi”, “ok”, or “heavens child” I might lose it!
My only overall dislike from Child of the River is the ending. The story went from minimal romance in the first half, to a full fledged romance novel. I’m not complaining, as I enjoy plots that are heavy handed with the romance. However, I tend to think the ending could have been handled in a different way, as it was abrupt and didn’t fit the overall feel of the story. Without revealing a spoiler, let’s just say after witnessing Persomi’s character throughout the novel, I didn’t see her reaction at the end of novel coming…
Overall, the Child of the River is worth the read and enjoyable once things started rolling. I’ve heard many others have enjoyed Irma Joubert’s Girl From the Train, so I intend to read that as well soon!
The Child of the River has quite a few characters, but Persomi, our main character stole the show. Her coming of age story shows how she stands up for what she believes in no matter the opinions of others close to her or the consequences. Can we talk about Persomi’s mother? It’s really a wonder how Persomi turned out to be an amazing woman with such influences in her life. Persomi leaves her poor uneducated family (but she never truly leaves), to complete her schooling and rise above in a respectable career. It really goes to show you that environmental influence has a huge impact, but if you want change in your life enough you can overcome your circumstances. I’m not sure how Persomi was so patient with her ma, if I was attempting to communicate with her and she responded with her typical “Oh Persomi”, “ok”, or “heavens child” I might lose it!
My only overall dislike from Child of the River is the ending. The story went from minimal romance in the first half, to a full fledged romance novel. I’m not complaining, as I enjoy plots that are heavy handed with the romance. However, I tend to think the ending could have been handled in a different way, as it was abrupt and didn’t fit the overall feel of the story. Without revealing a spoiler, let’s just say after witnessing Persomi’s character throughout the novel, I didn’t see her reaction at the end of novel coming…
Overall, the Child of the River is worth the read and enjoyable once things started rolling. I’ve heard many others have enjoyed Irma Joubert’s Girl From the Train, so I intend to read that as well soon!
December 5, 2016
This is an absolutely fantastic book. I can't remember a novel that has ever left me teary eyed before this one, and I usually hate any that have brought me even close because the characters lives where typically futile, with little hope in the end. But even though Persomi's childhood, and even parts of her adult life, where heartbreaking, there were very few moments which felt hopeless.
Persomi is the kind of person who never lets life crush her. Though she has her broken moments, she soon rallies and moves forward, refusing to back down from her convictions. Dealing with the politics of WWII, in which Irma realistically portrays a society which more or less sided with the Germans, and Apartheid, Child of the River not only shows a woman with incredible strength of character but also revels a time in history where social strife mirrored current social issues in the US.
Originally published in 2010, there is no way the author could have foreseen just how relevant this work would be years later and in another language. But I think that this book can teach a lot about holding on to ones own convictions while still putting major differences aside to love and care for those around us.
I highly recommend this work, both for the history and for Persomi herself. I can't wait to see more of Irma's novels translated and will be eagerly looking for them on shelves.
I have provided an honest review of this novel after having received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Persomi is the kind of person who never lets life crush her. Though she has her broken moments, she soon rallies and moves forward, refusing to back down from her convictions. Dealing with the politics of WWII, in which Irma realistically portrays a society which more or less sided with the Germans, and Apartheid, Child of the River not only shows a woman with incredible strength of character but also revels a time in history where social strife mirrored current social issues in the US.
Originally published in 2010, there is no way the author could have foreseen just how relevant this work would be years later and in another language. But I think that this book can teach a lot about holding on to ones own convictions while still putting major differences aside to love and care for those around us.
I highly recommend this work, both for the history and for Persomi herself. I can't wait to see more of Irma's novels translated and will be eagerly looking for them on shelves.
I have provided an honest review of this novel after having received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
February 10, 2018
Excellent. Convincing and realistic character development and plot, not to mention emotionally gripping. And then the historical aspect was fascinating and expertly woven in. This author is fast becoming a favourite!
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