MY SON'S STORY

by Nadine Gordimer ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1990

Gordimer continues her dispassionate, always intelligent observations of South African society, again examining the devastating impact of the country's current politics on private lives. Will, named by his colored schoolteacher father after William Shakespeare, is the narrator of the story, which he writes, as he says, because ""my father made me a writer."" The comment is made ironically, for Will's writing is as much a cathartic act for himself as a way of understanding his father, Sonny--a young man of great ambition and little money who had become a teacher. Like his beautiful wife, Alia, he was of mixed-blood and, under South African law, subject to severe strictures. The early married years of poverty and simple pleasures end when, in the mid-80's, Sonny feels he must become involved with the anti-apartheid straggle. He advances rapidly in the political hierarchy, is arrested, then imprisoned, and on his release begins an affair with Hannah, a white activist, who understands his work--unlike Aila, who seems too accepting of the status quo. But the son discovers the affair as does the daughter, Baby, who then tries to commit suicide. From that point on the family, once close and loving, unravels: Baby recovers but joins the exiles abroad; Sonny is supplanted in the organization by younger and more radical members; Hannah takes a job in Ethiopia; and quiet Alia surprises them all in a dramatic denouement. As always, Gordimer writes as much for the head as the feelings--there are big chunks of political commentary, all current and interesting in their own right--but Will's confused emotions and his protective love for his mother are also most affectingly described. Will's story ultimately transcends the politics of South Africa, providing vintage Gordimer--with a lot more heart than one has come to expect.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1990

ISBN: 0140159754

Page Count: -

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1990

Categories: FICTION