Product Description

Andre Brink has had a long career as a South African novelist, one that has provided him a forum for voicing his opposition to apartheid. Imaginings of Sand depicts the country as it makes the transition to democracy, just as Kristien Muller returns from self-imposed exile to the bedside of her dying grandmother, Ouma Kristina. At age 103 matriarchal Ouma is a fountain of family history and white South African legend, and to her grandaughter she passes on tales--magically unreal at times--that link the oppression suffered by women and blacks. While immersed in these fables of memory and emotion, Kristien must also deal with the current reality: a hostile family and authorities discomfited by the impending transition of power.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #250136 in Books
• Published on: 1997-02-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Andre Brink has had a long career as a South African novelist, one that has provided him a forum for voicing his opposition to apartheid. Imaginings of Sand depicts the country as it makes the transition to democracy at the same time as Kristien Muller returns from self-imposed exile to the bedside of her dying grandmother, Ouma Kristina. At age 103, matriarchal Ouma is a fountain of family history and white South-African legend; to her granddaughter she passes on tales--magically unreal at times--that link the oppression suffered by women and blacks. While immersed in these fables of memory and emotion, Kristien must also deal with the current reality: a hostile family and authorities discomfited by the impending transition of power. --Alex Freeman

Customer Reviews

a wonderfully descriptive modern myth
I know its a cliche but I couldn't put this book down, if you can after the first few pages you must have no imagination. If you're a strong female you'll absolutely love it as it is dedicated to the lives of a line of extremely strong fascinating women. It weaves african anthropologic history very cleverly with the modern history of South Africa. There's a love interest which keeps you guessing a little but most of all its an inspiring read for any woman who wants to believe in the power of women. At this price you'll be a fool not to buy it.