Gone Are The Days
by Fatima Sayed
Review by Aamena Khota
As a person who did not live during the times of Apartheid, writer Fatima Sayed made it real to me. It was as if I were with Lindiwe, Samantha and Jonathan, the tree children in the story, as their grandmother told them the story about apartheid.
Granny is the reason you want to continue reading the book. The way she relates the story of Apartheid and the emotion in her story is so real. She makes you feel the Apartheid era.
The story unfolds by Granny explaining the meaning of Apartheid and the basis of it. The children are made aware of the basic laws such as the Group Areas Act and “dompass” (pass book). As the story continues Lindiwe, Samantha and Jonathan start asking questions related to Apartheid. You are made aware of the seriousness of Apartheid not only on the streets but also in school, sports and in the work place.
Gone Are The Days is an interesting and effective story. The idea of an older person, in this case Granny, relating the days of Apartheid is a good way to educate children. As this is a children’s book this idea is successful.
Each character in the book plays a part in adding flavour to the story. The theme of family relations is made apparent and creates an almost happy atmosphere.
The story reveals the reasons for certain public holidays South Africa holds, this is an important aspect related to the theme of Apartheid. Making mention of great leaders in the struggle, as well as Granny’s personal experiences plays a tribute to those who fought for freedom.
Gone Are The Days is a journey back in time, an extremely interesting and well written book for young minds. To understand and enjoy this journey, you’ll have to read the book.
by Fatima Sayed
Review by Aamena Khota
As a person who did not live during the times of Apartheid, writer Fatima Sayed made it real to me. It was as if I were with Lindiwe, Samantha and Jonathan, the tree children in the story, as their grandmother told them the story about apartheid.
Granny is the reason you want to continue reading the book. The way she relates the story of Apartheid and the emotion in her story is so real. She makes you feel the Apartheid era.
The story unfolds by Granny explaining the meaning of Apartheid and the basis of it. The children are made aware of the basic laws such as the Group Areas Act and “dompass” (pass book). As the story continues Lindiwe, Samantha and Jonathan start asking questions related to Apartheid. You are made aware of the seriousness of Apartheid not only on the streets but also in school, sports and in the work place.
Gone Are The Days is an interesting and effective story. The idea of an older person, in this case Granny, relating the days of Apartheid is a good way to educate children. As this is a children’s book this idea is successful.
Each character in the book plays a part in adding flavour to the story. The theme of family relations is made apparent and creates an almost happy atmosphere.
The story reveals the reasons for certain public holidays South Africa holds, this is an important aspect related to the theme of Apartheid. Making mention of great leaders in the struggle, as well as Granny’s personal experiences plays a tribute to those who fought for freedom.
Gone Are The Days is a journey back in time, an extremely interesting and well written book for young minds. To understand and enjoy this journey, you’ll have to read the book.
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