Thembe's Cloth

by Glenda Ralph-Hay

Thembe is the unexpected daughter of Ellen, a domestic worker for Kristis family in Kokstad, a small farming town in South Africa. As Xhosa, one of the many black tribes of South Africa, Ellen and Thembe suffer the social injustices of 'apartheid', the government policy to enforce racial segregation and discrimination. As a white child Kristi is born to the benefits of that same system but forms a deep and enduring bond with the infant Thembe and see each other as sisters and equals. Ellen, tragically separated from her first born, Joseph, by apartheid rules and knowing heartbreak already sees the danger of this friendship for both girls, but particularly her daughter.
As Joseph pursues his seemingly impossible dream, Thembe shows amazing musical talent at an early age and with Kristis encouragement, embarks on a sometimes difficult journey none of them expected.
Thembe's Cloth is the story of that friendship, tested by apartheid and the transition of South Africa to a free and equal 'Rainbow' nation.

465 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2023

Reviews

[Cassandra Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an authentic and moving story based on the author's experiences growing up with white privilege in Apartheid-era South Africa. Her friendship with the maid's daughter is tested by jealousies and misunderstandings and by the changing culture and politics of Mandela's emerging Rainbow Nation. I was totally transported by this beautifully told story, charmingly illustrated by the author's watercolor sketches.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, amazing read! I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend. Glenda Ralph Hay expertly weaves a touching story of two families during apartheid in South Africa while gently explaining the difficulties both sides endured during and after the fall. Get your copy here: https://www.glendaralphhay.com/
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[Diana Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thembe’s Cloth is one of those books that quietly wraps itself around your heart and doesn’t let go. The friendship between Thembe and Kristi feels so genuine and tender two girls who should have been divided by the world they were born into, yet somehow find a way to see each other as equals. Watching their bond grow against the backdrop of apartheid is both beautiful and heartbreaking.
Thembe’s musical gift, Joseph’s longing for a better life, and Ellen’s quiet strength all add layers that make the story feel deeply human. The book captures not just the cruelty of the era, but also the resilience, hope, and love that push people forward even when the world tries to hold them back.

It’s emotional, powerful, and incredibly moving a story I won’t forget anytime soon.

[Jerry Hurwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book some time ago and still think about the characters. I came to know them so well through this touching story that I miss them now. I wonder how they are doing and how their lives have progressed? For me, this the mark of a great read. Beyond the characters that the reader will come to know and love, is the story of a country going through incredible changes and grappling with a troubled past. Although, I was well aware of what had changed in South Africa during the dissolution of apartheid, this story made it all more real, personal and meaningful. I give this book a strong endorsement.

[Gary Hinsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very touching story of Kristi and Thembe, who were from such different worlds and circumstances.
But it was also the story of the cruelty and injustice of apartheid in South Africa.
For me, this novel was an inside look into that part of South Africa's culture that I could never experience.
This wonderful debut novel was both educational and emotional. These characters will stay with me for a very long time. If you love historical fiction this is a must read.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an extraordinary, captivating story, which stayed with me long after. Courage, strength, loyalty, fortitude, love and transformation weave the ‘tapestry’ of profound friendships. Through the beautiful intricately woven descriptions, I felt deeply immersed, I could see, hear and smell the true essence of South Africa.

[Renan Axelord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thembe’s Cloth touched me deeply. The bond between Kristi and Thembe felt pure and powerful, especially against the harsh reality of apartheid. The story shows how love can grow even where the world tries to divide people. Ellen’s pain and strength stayed with me long after I finished reading. This book is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.

[Charlotte Mamoah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book offers a vivid look into life during apartheid through the eyes of two girls who refuse to let society dictate their connection. I loved how the author wove in Xhosa culture and the struggles faced by Ellen and her children. Thembe’s musical gift added hope to an otherwise painful time. It is an emotional journey that feels both real and important.

[Hailey Froster · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this story feel alive. Thembe’s determination, Kristi’s loyalty, and Ellen’s quiet strength create a powerful trio. Joseph’s dream adds another layer of courage and heartbreak. Their lives are shaped by injustice but also by resilience. I was completely drawn into their world and found myself rooting for every member of the family.

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly interesting and compelling story. I felt the author was intimately in touch with her subjects and it brought the book to life. It also opens the mind to the children and families’ dilemmas who dealt with an apartheid South Africa. Definitely a GOOD READ!

[Christina M Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply beautiful & enlightening.

[Pam Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story!!!

[Edwina Yeates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most beautifully written novels I’ve picked up in a while. In the early chapters the scene is set so vividly, it almost felt like I was back in Africa. After that, the characters were introduced with such intricate detail that it wasn’t long before I became completely lost in the story. It was quite the page-turner, I’d read from cover to cover in just a few days!

The historical aspect of the novel reminded me of Markus Zusak’s phenomenal historical fiction novel - The book Thief. Like this one, the story is told from a truly unique perspective - that of children. In this sense it shifts the historical fiction experience away from being overly detailed, overwhelming, heavy and occasionally boring and/or hard to follow. Instead, the reader can enjoy a more relatable and simplistic window into the situation so that we can almost picture ourselves being there in the moment. We are able to gain an insight into the day-to-day changes that characterised the Apartheid period, from the perspective of children.

Glenda has also taken a unique approach in addressing the complexities of race in this novel. Each of the characters’ personalities and relationships are so carefully illustrated, with their differing and evolving outlooks so carefully captured in an incredibly honest and thought-provoking way. Again, I think this adds an aspect of relatability to the reader’s experience and understanding of the Apartheid, and may explain why so many of the pages were tear stained by the time I reached the end!

I think Glenda captures the sentiment felt by many white South Africans so well - both now and then, good and bad. This approach is one so few have dared to go. She also helps those of us who didn’t experience the Apartheid first-hand to better understand and appreciate the complex relationships they have been born into - particularly in the domestic, household context. This is something so misunderstood outside of South Africa. Bravo Glenda, what a brave and beautiful first novel!