Kaffir Boy: Mcdougal Littell Literature Connections

by Holt McDougal

Holt McDougal Library, High School with Individual Reader Kaffir Boy 1997 [Hardcover] [Nov 05, 1997] MCDOUGAL LITTEL

Genres: South Africa

576 pages, Hardcover

Reviews

[Ivanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an incoming freshmen at Camino, I was interested in finding a novel that discussed some kind of social injustice since our school's focus is the process of transforming students to agents of social change. I skimmed through Kaffir Boy which focuses on the social injustice issue of Apartheid that occurred in the 20th century in Africa. Moreover, the author discusses his experience in trying to escape the brutality by coming to America to pursue his career of being a tennis player and education. Overall, the concept of immigrating to another country automatically sparked a connection of my relatives and their experience in immigrating to the U.S. Though, I thought it was interesting to see it through the perspective of a person from a different background. This was one of the first novels I read that fit in just right as to hearing of social injustices in other nations. Reading this novel began to fit in to molding my passion for being a political activist & agent of social change. I highly enjoyed this book and I haven't had a chance to follow up on his second novel, Kaffir Boy in America, but I highly recommend it for those who'd like to read about stories of people's experience dealing with harsh political issues in their home country and trying to escape from that. I feel that many readers can make a great connection to this one way or another.

[Joey Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Mark Mathabane's Kaffir Boy, tells a bleak tale of oppression and apartheid. A world where dogs eat dogs not to get on top, but simply just to survive through a chaotic hell. The hardships and hopes of a young boy have underlying tones of grief and despair, that bring depth and levels to this story. The story fills your heart with hope, and your mind with depression that is felt by the author. The story and its feelings feel authentic, due not to the tale being a true story about Mark Mathabane (which it is), but because of the fashion in which it is written. The character is seen to be growing physically, and mentally, this is shown by the choices that the character makes, and by the amount of endurance and perseverance show in him. This story is about hard work, hope, believing in yourself, always push on, and always doing the right thing. Although these clichés depict the book Kaffir Boy, I can guarantee you that a cliché is something that Kaffir Boy is NOT.

[Bobby Tat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like I could really connect with the main character, Mark Mathabane. A poverty stricken boy who had pursued an education reminds me of myself. I pursued an education with no one's help along the way; my knowledge of English hindered my path toward an education and I had overcame it just like how Mark overcame his barrier of a non supportive dad. Yet he set aside some time to play in the sport that became very dear to him, tennis. My love of tennis has risen to the point where I would gather up friends to play every dry day. Though our environments are complete opposites, our passion toward education and tennis are parallel.

[Maninder Grewal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book “Kaffir Boy” was one book which helps me realize how fortunate I am to be able to get an education and motivated me to not take it for granted. Mark who lived in such harsh conditions and lived in tremendous poverty in his childhood was able to go so far ahead in life made me think about how you should always try your best to overcome the barriers in life to achieve all your dreams. Many of the tragic events that happened to Mark during his childhood in South Africa brought tears to my eyes and made me appreciate the life I have which doesn’t include so many hardships.

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the sort of book that people should read. From a historical perspective, it is so important. It illustrates the truly awful conditions that were rampant in South Africa under apartheid.

From a story-telling perspective, this book doesn't quite get there. It feels like Mark Mathabane talking at the reader instead of growing along with them. Which may just be me expecting a different sort of book than Mathabane wanted to write, which is completely understandable. But didn't work very well for me.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I had to read this book for school my freshman year, and I also do not like to get into the book genre of realistic-y stuff, I was very skeptical of this book at first. However, it was very eye-opening to the horrors of Apartheid in South Africa, and it made me appreciate what I had here even more. It was very inspirational and yes, I am glad I read it. Thank you school!

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book about the seperation of whites and blacks in Africa and a boy who dreams of living in America.

[David Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was a summer reading assignment for my Honors English class. It was an okay book, it took all summer for me to read though.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to read during school. I learned a lot! I recommend it.

[Victoria Porraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put the book down. I never knew about the horrible conditions of those living under apartheid in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is a must read.

[Kenneth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok

[Dany Gonzalez]

good