Review by George Geder

At first when I offered to review this book, my thoughts went along the lines of learning about the familial and cultural makeup of women in South Africa.
What distinguishes them from any other group of women in the world would be revealed within its pages. I didn't expect to receive a book of poems.

Mr. Maluleka writes, I think, to a specific woman. It's a tour-de-force 'how do I love thee, let me count the ways' collection. In fact, there are more than 75 poems spread out over some 90 pages. We're talking young love, romantic love, going to the mall holding hands love, you are the most beautiful woman in the world love, I dream about you 365 days in the year love. That's OK I suppose; but perhaps a little obsessive and maybe bordering (just a little bit) on idolizing.

There's a set of poems within titled 'South African woman- A beautiful woman, parts 1 through 13. It starts with:

Who are you South African Woman?
You are a very beautiful woman
Your beauty is what life is all about
Life is about all your beauty
For there is more to your beauty than meets the eye

It culminates in pt. 13 with:

You look like the mountains, the sea
The rivers, the forests, the valleys and the the waterfalls
Your smile is what dreams are made of,
The more you smile;
The happier I become

What succeeds in this book of poems is the sincerity with which the author tackles his subject. You can't help but think that he doesn't have a denigrating bone in his body. It's what our American youth need to read to counterbalance all that misogynistic crap foisted on women here. However, Mr. Maluleka's admiration to this person still plays a tad over the top.

I found it odd that the front cover prominently features the author within a heart shaped by roses and the only other picture was, again, of the author. Where is our beautiful South African woman? I want to see her.

For my needs, as a family historian and genealogist, a little more cultural, historical, and anthropological referencing would have made for a better read.
If you need inspiration in writing pretty poems and love letters, then check out this book.
~~~
Go to the AfriGeneas Book Store to order.
http://astore.amazon.com/afrigeneascom

Go to WorldCat and find a nearby library that has a copy.
http://www.worldcat.org

Peace,
"Guided by the Ancestors"
http://george-geder.blogspot.com