Khalil's Journey

by Ashraf Kagee

Khalil “the Companion” is given his name by the One Above at his birth in 1903. Despite evidence of this divine interest, Khalil’s 80-odd years of life remain fairly ordinary, even though many of these years are spent under the far-from-ordinary conditions of the System in South Africa. Apart from the high moments—an adolescent trip to India, the fleshly delights on his wedding night, and a memorable evening spent with the Black Pimpernel at an abortive New Unity Movement meeting—Khalil’s later life is mostly taken up with trying to keep his wife and children happy and fed. Nevertheless, just as Khalil’s birth was an event discussed at length by the aunties of the neighborhood, at the end of his life, Khalil realizes his life’s journey contains many memorable moments.

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story about a Muslim boy growing up in the Malay and Indian districts of Cape Town early in the 20th Century. It follows the life of the boy, Khalil, after the death of first his father then his mother. His subsequent childhood spent partly with his paternal family, then with his mother's Indian relations, is hard but largely uneventful. He works in his Uncle's corner store after school. He grows up unaware of the political unrest simmering below the surface of the country's prosperous face. The lid cannot be kept on the boiling pot forever, and when Kahlil's son is a young man, the situation finally erupts; sweeping away all in its path. His son is a political activist and goes into exile, his daughters, all married by this time, will suffer the effects of the turmoil in the country too. Khalil's demise comes just prior to the birth of a new South Africa.
I found the story very interesting, as I did not grow up in South Africa. It gives you a view of the country from the perspective of the Malay and Indian communities. I learnt a great deal about their religion, their customs and their food preferences.
A fascinating read. Published by a local company, the book is beautifully presented too.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashraf is a former student so I was anxious to read his first novel. Wonderful weaving of a life with place and time. Made me want more. Hope he keeps writing.

[Savera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part coming-of-age novel, part fictional autobiography, Ashraf Kagee details the captivating life of a seemingly ordinary man.
The story follows a linear path along Khalil’s life, which never dragged or bored me. Poetic with a touch of magical realism, the narrative is funny and gripping.

As the book is written in an ultra-casual tone, prepare yourself for everything from descriptions of bodily functions, to taboo intrusive thoughts.

I’m in awe of the amount of research that must’ve gone into writing this book. While some of the cultural references are possibly first hand, the inclusion of South African, and global, political changes gave the book a wonderful realistic context. The inclusion of popular music through the decades was a nice touch.

It was fascinating and eye-opening reading about the social and political challenges faced by those who were essentially my ancestors’ generation. This should be required reading for not just South Africans of Indian and Malay descent, but for all South Africans, as it’s valuable to know what our fellow citizens have gone through.

Recommended for any and all South Africans, fans of “Pops & the Nearly Dead” by Edyth Bulbring, and anyone who’s enjoyed the works of Ronnie Govender.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars if I could. As a story, it wasn't everything I had hoped for. And yet, it was a gentle, beautiful telling of life through the 1900s for a boy then man of Indian heritage living in the Cape Town area. I recommend it for anyone who wants to know more layers of life in South Africa. As a side note, this book is published by Jacana, a South African publisher. The quality of the physical book is very strong. It was beautiful to hold and to look at by my bedside.

[SUVENDRINI HELENA CAMILLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of a man's life, birth to death. The book was a quick read, as I kept wanting to know what happened next and imagined all kinds of turns and twists that might have occurred. Written by an alumni of the University of Portland International Club, I was all the more intrigued.

[Mish Middelmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really fun - insightful, touching, yet light.