One Tongue Singing

by Susan Mann

Camille Pascal, a young French nurse comes to South Africa with her father and her small daughter, Zara, during the closing years of the apartheid regime. The family settles amongst a wine-growing community in the Western Cape where they become involved in the lives of victims of the system. Interwoven with Camille's story is that of Jake Coleman, a painter with an international reputation, a deep-seated fear of failure, and a complicated private life. One Tongue Singing explores some of the different faces of power, both in the ways it operates between individuals and in societies.

Genres: South Africa

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Susan Mann was born in Durban in 1967. She has worked in the media and taught at the University of Cape Town. She is currently doing research in France.

Reviews

[Brittany]

This book is incredibly nuanced and ties together a range of characters, ways of life, and mentalities in the final years of apartheid. It is beautifully written, poignant, powerful, and poetic. At times deeply distressing and focussing on heavy subject matters, Mann balances the wholeness of human experience, and encapsulates both the pain and wonder it is to be alive in times of oppression.

[Sabaha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
Decent enough, enjoyed the artistic perspective. Can't really remember what happens but the plot was enjoyable enough.

[Steph Hiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I really enjoyed reading this book, the ending was so disappointing and unsatisfactory that I can't recommend it.

[Olivia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was very dissapointing it was not engaging and not terribly well written either.

[Tiah]

I have adored Mann since I read 'Quarter Tones.' Her writing is soft, quiet, yet powerful and highly insightful.

[Carol Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this book. It was drawn out and by the end, I felt "What was the Point" I struggled to finish it. Still cannot fathom why she called it "One Tongue Singing"

[Mckinley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had no interest in the main male character.