Exile Child: Sarah Bartmaan The Hottentot Venus: Hottentot Venus South African History: Anti-slavery Historical Sarah Baartman

by Suzanne Franco

Torn from her South African tribe by Dutch settlers, sold as a slave, trapped in a world of debauchery and trickery, humiliated whilst living in early 19th century London and Paris, Sarah Bartmann clings desperately to her beliefs, and to the memories of her native land. Exile Child is more than just her story. It is a tale of hope, of courage beyond human endurance, of the power of the human spirit, of a young woman who refuses to give in to the alien world into which she has been so violently thrust. Exile Child is a historically correct and compassionate portrayal of one of South Africa’s most tragic heroines This story gives an insight into the hopes and dreams of this Sarah Bartmann, who through past centuries has come to symbolise both the dispossession of Africans and the reinstatement of women’s dignity. This flesh and blood portrayal of Sarah Bartmann is in direct contrast to the caricature presented as “The Hottentot Venus,” that has been characterised by Western society for many centuries and this book follows Sarah’s final journey back to her homeland in 2002.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2014

About the author

Delving into history, I resurrect real-life heroines in my novels, giving them the stage they deserve! Passionate about unearthing untold tales.

More than twenty-nine years have passed since the birth of democracy in South Africa and Suzanne Franco is proud and inspired by the commitment to equality and compassion of her Rainbow Nation.

Suzanne believes our modern society will be equally inspired by true stories of, sometimes forgotten, heroines.
Uncovering real-life dramas intrigues Suzanne, and historical novels provide a platform for her inspiring storytelling.

“I’m passionate about bringing real characters to life in my novels. I believe people in today’s world will live in hope by recognising women who have sacrificed so much to have an impact on history, and therefore, humanity."

Suzanne’s debut historical novel, Exile Child, received exceptional reviews from major newspapers and magazines.

Suzanne has been featured on many radio and TV shows and is often a guest motivational speaker at many South African government initiatives.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to read many parts of the book, not because of bad writing but because of the difficult subject matter. Sarah Baartman is forced to parade around a circus-like show as though she is a freak. She is gawked at by many for her body shape looking different, made a spectacle, and treated barbarically.

The inhumane treatment is beyond awful, and author Suzanne Franco brings it all back with emotion in this biographical novel. There are many big, heavy themes, including racism, slavery, abuse, and human endurance.

Sarah Baartman continues to be knocked down, literally and figuratively, throughout her life. It is shocking and horrific, and sadly, history points to it having been a reality.

With so much to cover in such a young life, the book Exile Child presents Sarah Baartman in full emotion, as though we, the readers, are going through the horrors with her. While it was hard to read, it was a necessary read in a way so that I could learn more about what was and still is wrong in the world. What still needs to change. What has changed. And to pay my respects to Sarah.

I received this eBook from the author in return for an honest review.

[Doodles Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible historical fiction novel based off the iconic slave Sarah Bartmann. I admit that I did not know anything about this person in history before reading this book. I read this via audiobook version and loved the narrator. I felt at times it was Sarah herself telling her story.

[Paballo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate this book for giving us a glimpse into what could've happened to Sarah Bartmaan. She had a short life but a sad one, and I imagine it might have felt long after all the things she went through.

[Andy – And The Plot Thickens · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Exile Child" is a piece of historical fiction based on the infuriating, moving and deeply emotional story of South Africa's Sarah Bartmann.

The Khoi woman was taken to England in 1810, by two men who likely tricked her into signing a contract, to be exhibited to spectators. Europeans were obsessed with her ample buttocks and rumours that the genitalia of women, like Sarah, was different. She was paraded in a cage, almost entirely in the nude, prodded to move by the stick of an impresario.

When the show no longer made money in England, Sarah's 'contract' was taken over by a Frenchman and this time, Parisians had the time to ogle her. She was also 'studied' by scientists whose racist approach meant she was treated more like an animal than a human.

The book is a difficult read in that it will anger the reader at the base treatment Sarah received. She never managed to return home, dying in Paris at around the age of 26, possibly from alcoholism or pneumonia. But the ill-treatment didn't end here. A cast was made of Sarah's body, which was exhibited in a museum in Paris. Her bones were also kept.

While hers is a tragic tale, Suzanne Franco also manages to imbue a sense of hope in the story, Sarah's hope that one day she might return home. It's also one of defiance as Sarah continued to take pride in her heritage. Sarah may have died without seeing her home or family again, but in 2002, her remains were returned to South Africa after years of negotiations with the French government, a bittersweet end to this extraordinary story.