Luisa Costa Costa itibaren Compton, Marldon, Paignton, Devon TQ3 1TA, UK itibaren Compton, Marldon, Paignton, Devon TQ3 1TA, UK

Though starting out a bit polemic, seemingly a bit heavy handed with the socio-political history of South Africa before its independence, My Children! My Africa! ends on a truly moving note. Fugard's play leans hard on its 3 characters, one teacher and two students; teacher and one student, black, the other student white. The story brings attention to some essential questions: How do we teach? How do we decide what is taught? How does education enforce the status quo at the expense of overlooking achievements of so-called lesser/minority races? Is violence essential to change? Is slow change superior, or fast? Who decides? As a reader, you have to grapple with these complex issues, but you also delight in the story itself, which builds from abstract discussions to powerful violence in South Africa, as each character in succession wins your heart. When the play is all over, you almost can't believe how Fugard got us from the beginning to the end, it's so well put together.

2.5 stars A few people have already pointed this out and I have to agree- this book is based on some pretty whacky and unlikely coincidences. The main character must be the luckiest man alive, that's all I can say. Some parts of the book were absolutely hilarious. The first segment which was based in Ireland was B-O-R-I-N-G and a complete waste of words. The Las Vegas segment was my favourite, probably because I had seen alot of what he explained first hand when I travelled there recently. I stayed at the Bellagio as well, so it was awesome to read about his experiences there. Some of the graphic explanations of golf and poker had me drifting off and the writing style was distinctly 'male'. I have no doubt the author did that so his book would appeal to men over women. All in all, it was very funny in parts, but the quality of writing just wasn't there the whole way through the book.