The story of a childhood friendship in apartheid South Africa in the 70s and 80s between a Marta, the daughter of a German missionary and Ishmael, a native black boy.
Gisela Hoyle Books
This author draws from the richness of a childhood spent on a farm in South Africa, where a glorious landscape and freedom were imbued with a profound sense of the sacred and of exile. Growing up on a mission station instilled a dual perspective, a keen awareness of the sacred in all things alongside a feeling of being an outsider. This idyllic upbringing was later punctuated by the realities of schooling and university. The enduring impact of this formative experience shapes their narrative voice, offering readers a unique lens on belonging and displacement.
A Fountain in Berlin
- 238 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of World War II and the subsequent division of Berlin, this historical novel follows the lives of a musical family as they navigate the challenges and changes of their time. Their journey explores themes of resilience, identity, and the impact of war on personal and cultural connections, offering a poignant glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a family bound by their love for music amidst the turmoil of history.