The Middle Children

by Rayda Jacobs

Combining autobiography and fiction, this collection of intersecting short stories focuses on South Africa's middle children - the offspring of master and slave, commonly known as ""Coloureds."" Sabah has light skin. At age sixteen she decides to pass as ""white"" in order to get into a restricted business school. Several years later officials discover her deception. She is given an ultimatum. She leaves South Africa. Sabah's forced emigration, her life away from home and her visits back are part of the intricate weave of intersecting stories that introduce a rich wealth of characters and themes.Set in the years of unenlightenment before the abolition of apartheid, The Middle Children addresses issues of rejection, abandonment, self-esteem and political change. With humour and poignancy Rayda Jacobs populates her stories with unforgettable characters who take us into a world we have rarely seen before.

168 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

Rayda Jacobs was a South African writer and filmmaker.

Reviews

[Three O'Clock Press]

Combining autobiography and fiction, this collection of intersecting short stories focuses on South Africa's middle children - the offspring of master and slave, commonly known as "Coloureds. " Sabah has light skin. At age sixteen she decides to pass as "white" in order to get into a restricted business school. Several years later officials discover her deception. She is given an ultimatum. She leaves South Africa. Sabah's forced emigration, her life away from home and her visits back are part of the intricate weave of intersecting stories that introduce a rich wealth of characters and themes. Set in the years of unenlightenment before the abolition of apartheid, The Middle Children addresses issues of rejection, abandonment, self-esteem and political change. With humour and poignancy Rayda Jacobs populates her stories with unforgettable characters who take us into a world we have rarely seen before.

[Liesl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. A quick read. Some of the stories I enjoyed however, at times I felt the writer was trying too hard. It's my first Rayda Jacobs book and perhaps I'll warm up to her style with time.