Jacob Singer

Description:

The Vase with the Many Coloured Marbles details the lives of Emma and Marla, a mother and daughter living in South Africa from the 1920's until the 1960's, and their struggles to remain safe and unnoticed for their heritage during Apartheid.

Review:

Originally I wasn't sure how this book would work since it seemed like two books in one, but after reading, I am glad that the author set it up that way because it made the book and its storyline stronger. Both sections were very show more interesting and full of rich detail about the characters and the beauty/history of South Africa. I have never read anything about that area and it was quite an eye-opener, both geographically and sociologically. Jacob Singer has a way of depicting South Africa that makes the reader feel like they are there, and his characters, especially Emma and Marla, are well-developed and realistic, often gaining sympathy from the reader. Also, the dialogue was very well-written and strong, adding to the characters' presence. I enjoyed seeing how both the people and the times changed throughout the book, particularly peoples attitudes towards the characters and towards Apartheid. Overall, I learned a wealth of information from this book and met many interesting characters; I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the life and history of South Africa, especially Apartheid and its effects on the country.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author (Bostick Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. show less

I invite experts on the complicated and tragic history of South Africa to comment on the accuracy of the author's account in the introduction. No expert is needed, however, to find “it's” being used as a possessive pronoun, or an implement for blade sharpening being described as a “wet-stone.” I began to have serious doubts when I read this sentence: “He worked hard, the hours spent pouring over accounting books giving him the stooped scolitic back and chronic myopia that on his show more tall thin frame, offered a portrait of the Scrooge circumstances had made him.” Then I read this sentence and gave up: “As a boy he was always a head and shoulders taller than others his own age, as thin as a stick, with two large ears on either side of a very Jewish nose.” show less