Hugh Lewin (1939–2019)

There are a number of memoirs of political imprisonment that came out of South Africa during the apartheid era. Interestingly, relatively few of these have been written by African convicts who were at Robben Island. For reasons I find hard to articulate, Lewin's is my favorite. Perhaps it's the simplicity and ordinariness of his perspective: he isn't trying to defend a literary reputation or cast about for grand meanings. It's a very straightforward memoir, but with great power in its show more reserved tone and the stark images of South Africa's prisons that it offers. show less

I finished this book in a day. It was so amazing and very well written. Go.And.Buy.It.Now!

Stones Against the Mirror is written by Hugh Lewin, a South African anti-Apartheid activist who spent seven years in gaol for crimes of sabotage against the state. Hugh was sent to gaol by his best friend Adrian, also an anti-Apartheid activist. This is a story of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.

The book begins at a train station where Lewin will travel to meet with Adrian Leftwich for the first show more time since Adrian’s betrayal. The story weaves in and out of Lewin’s early years in South Africa and his time spent as a member of ARM blowing up electrical pylons with Adrian and other activists – an almost forgotten part of the South African struggle against Apartheid.

It is not an easy story for Lewin. And his writing reminds me of a famous quote from German painter Otto Dix, “all art is exorcism.” This is extremely poignant for his lost friend Adrian, who also penned a short story entitled, I Gave the Names, where he chronicled his betrayal and guilt.

Lewin writes, “Give us back the bones, so that we can know.” And this not only resonates with his own personal story, but for South African History in general. Give the reasons for how Apartheid began and was policed and we can move on. Give the motivations so that there can be forgiveness.

This book has some pretty heartbreaking descriptions, especially from Lewin’s time on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, TRC. And the matter-of-fact way things like hangings are recounted are haunting and overwhelming at times.

I have not had a lot exposure to South African literature outside of the big names like J.M. Coetzee, but I am hoping to change this one book at a time. If you are looking for a truly amazing read then I would suggest Stones Against the Mirror. And if you can find it, you should also read Leftwich’s I Gave the Names. show less

This is a wonderful story about a little boy in S. Africa. It is a Realistic Fiction and is filled with beautiful illustrations in sepia tones that actually show the character’s emotions as he compares himself with various African animals. Students may recognize some of the animals, but will probably be introduced to animals they have never heard of before as well. The book is filled with different similes, “I want to be tall as a Giraffe…”, “When I’m happy I purr like a lion show more cub…skip like a spider…laugh like a hyena” and so would be a perfect introduction to similes and metaphors. In addition the story helps children recognize and name various emotions, “When I get cross I stamp like an elephant…” This book would be a wonderful independent read, as the pictures provide clues for beginning readers, or a great Read Aloud for the whole class. show less

Jafta is about a young boy who is very aware of his own feelings as he tells about how he wants to be like certain animals when he is in each positive mood. This book is very simple - most fitting for very young elementary. Jafta is great for teaching self awareness through moods and emotions relating to animals in a fun way!