Book Review
Endings & Beginnings: A Story of Healing by Redi Tlhabi
Jacana Media
Popular South African t.v. journalist and columnist Redi
Tlhabi has written an evocative book taking the reader on a journey to a brief
period in her childhood, but which haunted her until adulthood. As an 11 year
old schoolgirl in Soweto, South Africa, Redi inexplicably made friends with a
local township thug who was feared for his brutality. He dies shortly after
their meeting and a deep bond develops between them. The books details their
friendship and her journey many years later into his past.
Without giving too much away, Redi’s account of her personal
interactions with her friend humanises this deeply troubled young man who has a
dualistic personality of monster and angel. Her journey into his background and
past reconciles these very different traits in him. Redi writes powerfully, but
informally so that the reader begins to feel as if they have always known the characters.
She is able to describe the emotions of the people she meets in a way one
cannot help but feel those emotions too.
A deeply moving book with profound messages about
interpersonal relationships in which those closest to you have the ability to
do you the most harm. We highly recommend it.
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