Meet Colleen, the third-born child of parents who share a chaotic relationship. Set against the backdrop of Cape Town in the 1940s, this is Colleen's journey. It is a time of religious fervor, baptisms, conversions and Sunday school picnics. Apartheid can't be escaped and is experienced by the children, who are bemused and confused by the flawed and unjust system. The pages are crowded by a host of odd characters, at once lovable, eccentric and troubled. There's Aunty Bubbles who teaches the children to jitterbug and Uncle Nicholas who speaks the Queen's English and plays a trumpet in the Royal Navy Band. There's Aunty Beryl, who carries a Chihuahua around in her handbag, and a midwife and home-undertaker named Two-Coffee-One-Milk. But not all is rosy in this richly peopled world. There is a human thread recognizable to anyone who has ever been in a co-dependent relationship, been abused, grown up poor or had an alcoholic father, which gives this book universal appeal. Sharp, insightful, and abundant in measured humor, it will resonate with many.

About the Author
Carol Gibbs lives with her partner Michelle in a nineteenth-century barn in the picturesque village of Greyton in the Western Cape. Her passions include travel, storytelling, history, art and all things old. She has been involved in the world of art and antiques for more than forty years. Her subject matter as an artist often reflects her social concerns (front cover painting and the assemblages on back cover were created by Carol). She has two children, four grandchildren and a rescue dog named Bailey.

Reviews
"Like a rediscovered box of haberdashery remnants - ribbon shreds and lace, frayed cotton, stretched elastic - the nostalgia here evokes a conflicting assortment of emotions. Tender, touching and troubling all at the same time. A poignant reminder of the impact of parenting on a person's psyche - for better and for worse." - Nancy Richards. "This story of a dysfunctional family, a debut novel told in the first person by a deeply perceptive and compassionate writer new to the South African market, is raw, unintentionally funny and extremely moving. It is a totally satisfying read and a fine achievement." - Pamela Jooste, author of Dance With a Poor Man's Daughter. "Lionel Trilling said: 'Of this time, of that place, of some parentage, what does it matter?' It matters. This book could only have come from a specific time, place and parentage and it is one not much written of. Carol brings everything in her phenomenal memory back with crystal clarity." - Lesley Beake, author of Song of Be



Book Information
ISBN 9781431426409
Author Carol Gibbs
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Jacana Media
Publisher Jacana Media (Pty) Ltd
Weight(grams) 500g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 15mm