Acid Alex

by Al Lovejoy

Acid Alex is a story of hideous child abuse, brutal institutions and wild rebellion. It veers between abject mistreatment, religious hysteria and narcotic intoxication, while journeying deep into the violent underworld of Cape Town gangs and international organized crime, then behind the cold bars of prison and out the other side. Much more than the story of an alternate and differently lived life, every person who wants to fully grasp the complexities and richness of South Africa's social architecture should read this book. Hailed as a great book of reference, not only invaluable for checking facts and culture, but also for feeling the pureness of South Africa's socio-emotional pulse. A unique story told in a unique voice. Acid Alex will shock you, assault, educate and entertain you, and take you on a trip beyond your wildest imagining. A compelling, totally gripping page-turner and a story that reaches deep into ... and, touches the soul."

Genres: South Africa, Nonfiction

400 pages

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragic, sad, hilarious, and deeply moving story of a fucked up life and the man who survived it. He and his friends Koos Kombuis and Valiant Swart stayed in my house for 10 days in Grahamstown in 1990. I recall taking one look at him and thinking: Jesus! Here's a guy you don't fuck with.

If you read Shantaram and felt vaguely let down because half of it was made up, read this book. It's everything that Shantaram wasn't.

[Dan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acid Alex is the story of an organized crime boss in South Africa in the 90's. It is tragic, shocking, funny, touching, and wise. Part Fear and Loathing, part Life (Keith Richards) this book woke me up to hard people and the realities from which they come. It is in essence the making of a 'monster.' A path that led an orphaned child from abuse to (criminal) adolescence to (criminal) adulthood.Layered on op of this is the complex social strata of South Africa, and one of those few people who managed to navigate these complex waters.

I had to put this book down a few times, because just imagining a life this hard shook the foundations holding up my pampered mind.

In terms of its writing, the only similar voice I can think of is that of Andre Agassi in Open. Pure honesty, potent due to its content and the extremity of a life lived to extremes. The slang and South African language weaved into this book make it slow going. There is a five page glossary at the back which I referred to OFTEN. I felt extremely uncool, and out of touch with my South African side.

Read it!

[Gert Steyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sad story about a very sad existence. Sad because so many of South Africa's youngsters go through the same strife, but do not have the courage, conviction or inclination to face their histories. Drugs, physical abuse by parents and people entrusted to look after abandoned kids, emotional abuse. Through use of colloquialisms, the reader is dragged into the story. A must read, but a tough one.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am an orphan. I have no normal family, which means that everybody who has no normal family - is my family. We are the biggest family in the world. I have a life dream that we can re-gather our family and break the ancient curse..." - Al Lovejoy

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

couldn't put it down...funny, fascinating, and sometimes horrifying.

[Kyle Fnord]

As a South African it offered me a unique way at looking at the country of my birth.

[Heidi de Goede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Would love to meet Al!

[Jaco Theron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth about hatred, alcohol, the church, drugs, politics, family, friendship and love wrapped up in a "rowwe" read that will enlighten you if you let it....

[Jean-Louis Rossouw · Rating 4 out of 5]

as someone who has experienced substance abuse issues, i found lots of the sotries in this book relatable

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent excellent - spellbinding. A must for South Africans of all ages especially those who grew up in the 70s.

[Anthony]

A great read.

[Eugene Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book back in 2009 and ended up reading it again that same year. Al had the guts to get it all out.

Respect to Al Lovejoy

[Thandi West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very beautiful and real story. The healing was the most remarkable thing. Fell in love with so many Characters, I have read and reread this book so many times and I always find hidden gems that I missed before.