Book details
Stones for My Father
Description
Corlie Roux's farm life in South Africa is not easy: the Transvaal is beautiful, but it is also a harsh place where the heat can be so intense that the very raindrops sizzle. When her beloved father dies, she is left with a mother who is as devoted to her sons as she is cruel to her daughter. Despite this, Corlie finds solace in her friend, Sipho, and in Africa itself and in the stories she conjures for her brothers.But Corlie's world is about to vanish: the British are invading and driving Boer families like hers from their farms. Some escape into the bush to fight the enemy. The unlucky ones are rounded up and sent to internment camps.Will Corlie's resilience and devotion to her country sustain her through the suffering and squalor she finds in the camp at Kroonstad? That may depend on a soldier from faraway Canada and on inner resources Corlie never dreamed she had.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
12-14
Text complexity
proficient
Length
178 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: 'Stones for My Father' provides readers with a deep and personal look into the Anglo-Boer War, offering a unique perspective on this significant historical event through the eyes of a young protagonist.
- Emotional Depth: Trilby Kent masterfully captures the emotional journey of Corlie Roux, the main character, as she navigates the challenges of war, loss, and survival, making it a poignant read that resonates with readers on a personal level.
- Cultural Understanding: The novel explores the cultural dynamics of South Africa during the turn of the 20th century, including the tensions between the British, the Boers, and the indigenous people, enriching the reader's understanding of the region's complex history.
- Award-Winning Literature: 'Stones for My Father' has been recognized for its literary merit, including receiving the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, signaling that it is a well-crafted and impactful book that is worth reading.