VOICES OF SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa's social troubles grow from many roots; this brilliant study explores them with clarity, insight and even wit. For five weeks in 1985, Meyer traveled, speaking with dozens of South Africans, mostly young adults, and most with strong opinions. Meyer shows a culturally diverse nation torn by ignorance and misunderstanding, but simultaneously sharing resentment of foreign pressure and fascination for foreign culture. She makes no secret of her liberal views, but honestly admits that she might well feel differently had she been born in that country--at one point she is completely horrified to discover that she's been ignoring a black woman with whom she is sharing a table. There are no illustrations, but the personal narrative is interspersed with excellent historical summaries. Readers who seek understanding, rather than easy answers, will find it here.