Living Coloured:

by Yusuf Daniels

Living Coloured (Because Black and White were Already Taken) is a compilation of short stories that is an ode to an era all Cape Coloured people will instantly recognise – from the nightclubbing at Space Odyssey and the shenanigans at the Mitchells Plain public swimming pool, to the traditions of delectable food exchanges during Ramadan among Muslims and Christians, alike. This book truly is a tribute to all that the Coloured community holds dear and sings of the spirit which helped them eek out an existence on the dusty flat plains of the Cape.
But as you read story after story, you will also be confronted with the blatant racism that was the Group Areas Act, the legacy of a people removed and dumped in this windswept place that wasn’t of their own making, and the constant forging ahead to make life worthwhile under very harsh political and economic circumstances. The stories will also leave you seething with anger at the sheer brutality of what this community had to endure (and still do), while their black counter parts in the township next door lived even harsher realities.

Genres: South Africa, Biography

112 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2019

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. A very quick, nostalgic read about growing up in the Cape Flats in the 70's to 90's. As always I love the Coloured dialect and sense of humor, but I wanted a bit more depth and these short stories ended up being a bit too sweet for my taste.

[Candi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of nostalgia. I laughed hard. A lot.
This book arrived in the post as a surprise from my Mom back in the Cape. (Thanks a million Mom). It is a perfect summer quick read. Full of Cape Coloured slang, humour, mischief and soul. A must read for the Capies overseas missing home during these lockdowns and travel restrictions. He's tales had me in stitches while tanning in my garden (My neighbours now think I've completely lost my marbles if they didn't think so already). True story. 😉

[David Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read

The start of this amazing book was just so gripping. I could not put this book down. Lots of laughter and I mean LOTS every page cracked me up and I was screeching with laughter. From start to finish...One Word EPIC Well done to Yusuf Daniels for bringing back such fabulous memories of the games we played with friends and neighbours! Highly recommend

[Cassey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and easy slice of life read.

[autumn hijabi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 or 2.8

Slice of life showing a bit of Cape Town coloured culture, reminiscing times gone by. Nostalgic, fun account of the author's memories growing up, written like a series of posts. Short, easy to read. Makes a point to show how the community lived in harmony despite being of different religions, and emphasizes the importance of togetherness.

I wouldn't recommend it for younger readers or those sensitive to swearing and the heavy "picking up girls" themes, which makes sense since it's the life of a teen boy forever up to something. I can see why it's popular (local humour and nostalgia and wholesome vibe) but I can also see why it may not be suited to everyone's tastes, like conservative readers or those given the impression it was a "religiously appropriate" book due to promotions done by certain radio stations. It wouldn't be fair to hold the book to such standards since it's a genuine, personal life experience being portrayed...But just mentioning for those who may have certain expectations.

On the other hand, it seems a few errors slipped past the editors, though not in a way that took away from the book being enjoyable. Although it's a light read, it does get momentarily heavy when apartheid is remembered, but the author chose to mostly focus on funny or upbeat memories, a decision I respect since there are too many sad stories out there. Glad to see more south african voices being highlighted. Salute!

[Michelle Frankson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this with my son despite the colourful language in places. It gave me a chance to share with him what growing up was like when I was young. (Thanks for the reminder about all the games we played as kids.) It also helped him learn a little about Muslim culture. We laughed a lot as well! Great light read!

[Lumumba Mthembu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Light reading all the way. Stash it anywhere where people will be waiting for short periods of time. Not suitable for bedtime or tanning at the beach. You need something with longer chapters there; not Facebook posts. I laughed out loud at a few: more towards the end than the beginning . You don’t have to be coloured to read this. It’s very relatable

[Shonanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh and laugh

Light brushes over many happy memories. People like Yusuf are why my country - and yours - isn’t a mess. And people like him are the majority. We just have to listen. Thank you for a beautiful book. True Story.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a gift from our tour director in South Africa. The collection of memories is laced with Afrikaans language and is an insight into their culture during and after Apartheid. The humorous stories do not hide the blatant racism they endured. Try Trevor Noah's book, Born a Crime.

[Lindi Rudnicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. I found myself laughing out loud. I loved the way Yusuf took us back to our childhood. I could almost feel the marbles in my hands, smell the delicious breyani and Cape sea air. I loved the Afrikaans bits and slang. I can’t wait for a second book.

[Kayla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Super funny and laughable. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone part of that time or even later. It’s made up of short stories all based way back in time. The language usage is epic and really made me laugh.

[Bev Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining! Wish it was longer. It ended so suddenly.

[Megan Heuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really humorous and enjoyable read.

[Kristen Bingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candid, heart warming and lighthearted. Yusuf Daniels doing it for the culture!

[Magnus Godvik]

I kept laughing from start to finish

[Aqeelah✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this a while ago, just forgot to add it to my Goodreads !.
i loved this book, had a really good laugh, my stomach actually hurt from laughing. 10/10

[Gerson Mendes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lighthearted , heartwarming entertaining and short read ! The authors sense of humor made this book really enjoyable as well ! Laughed so hard . I will say that I wasn’t expecting the book to be as light-hearted as it was , I thought that the book was going to dive into the deep complexities of the colored identity especially navigating this during the the apartheid era . It was a great book nonetheless