South Africa has a complex political history. It is filled with intricacies and subtleties which are difficult to understand from an outside perspective. The power and volatility of South Africa’s political climate was enough to drive hordes of South African’s to find refuge in other countries while still longing for their homeland. This review is about Rian Malan’s 1991 book “My Traitor’s Heart, Blood and Bad Dreams: A South African Explores the Madness in His Country, His Tribe and Himself” published by Vintage Press in London.
In “My Traitor’s Heart”, Malan endeavours to unravel the political environment of South Africa’s past through a reflexive, historical and personal memoir. Malan’s memoir is focused around the journalistic work he …show more content…
This highlights Malan’s argument that apartheid’s intention was to keep the black population disadvantaged both economically and educationally. This was achieved by removing all exposure to literature that would help to reveal the inequality and oppression apartheid caused. The black people became South Africa’s Proletariat class, powerful when united but banned from uniting.
“My Traitor’s Heart” was positively received by the readers even with its provocative nature. The reviews on the cover of the book all praise Malan for creating a brave and controversial book that expresses the views of many South Africans and is part of the journey of reconciliation between the people. Online, most reviews commend the relevance and value of the book as a powerful insight into South Africa’s political landscape during apartheid (Goodreads n.d.).
I am in agreeance with an online reviewer as “I think this is an essential book … for any human being who tries to understand the human condition” (Helen, 2012). At times, the memoir was vulgar, disturbing and cynical, however, the writing style was necessary for the honest and moving story Malan presents. A memoir I would recommend to all people whom have any interest in human history or
In “My Traitor’s Heart”, Malan endeavours to unravel the political environment of South Africa’s past through a reflexive, historical and personal memoir. Malan’s memoir is focused around the journalistic work he …show more content…
This highlights Malan’s argument that apartheid’s intention was to keep the black population disadvantaged both economically and educationally. This was achieved by removing all exposure to literature that would help to reveal the inequality and oppression apartheid caused. The black people became South Africa’s Proletariat class, powerful when united but banned from uniting.
“My Traitor’s Heart” was positively received by the readers even with its provocative nature. The reviews on the cover of the book all praise Malan for creating a brave and controversial book that expresses the views of many South Africans and is part of the journey of reconciliation between the people. Online, most reviews commend the relevance and value of the book as a powerful insight into South Africa’s political landscape during apartheid (Goodreads n.d.).
I am in agreeance with an online reviewer as “I think this is an essential book … for any human being who tries to understand the human condition” (Helen, 2012). At times, the memoir was vulgar, disturbing and cynical, however, the writing style was necessary for the honest and moving story Malan presents. A memoir I would recommend to all people whom have any interest in human history or