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Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
The Story of Hunadi by Mokoka Klaas Mashishi is a wonderful depiction of a few African families living on a farm during apartheid in South Africa. We are introduced to twins Sello and Hunadi, and Gerrit, the son of the white farmer, Kruis. Gerrit is nicknamed Reti and, following the death of his mother in childbirth, Reti is raised as a sibling of Sello and Hunadi. When White Reti falls in love with Black Hunadi, it becomes the mission of the town leaders to separate the two. An elaborate plot is formed and the plot leads to mystery, irresponsible behavior, and ongoing misdeeds on the part of the town "establishment." It is Hunadi's mission to go to the Mountain of the Ancestors to make offerings to her ancestors. It is the town leaders’ mission to keep everyone off the mountain as it is to be secretly developed as a resort area.
I loved the character of Hunadi. She is presented as a strong, brave and motivated woman who did not fear the repercussions of an oppressive White government. Sello is portrayed as a supportive brother who moved toward a career by going to school in a nearby city. Perhaps the most controversial character was that of Gerrit/Reti, a man who grew up with African love and who was forced into a White world without adequate preparation. Although I would have preferred a bit more history of apartheid and how it affected the general African population, The Story of Hunadi is a marvelous glimpse into a small segment of the population who paid a high price for their victories. Author Mashishi has written a poignant story of how traditions were honored as the African population made history through ongoing sacrifice and stamina.
