Miriam's Song: A Memoir

by Mark Mathabane

Mark Mathabane first came to prominence with the publication of Kaffir Boy, which became a New York Times bestseller. His story of growing up in South Africa was one of the most riveting accounts of life under apartheid. Mathabane's newest book, Miriam's Song, is the story of Mark's sister, who was left behind in South Africa. It is the gripping tale of a woman -- representative of an entire generation -- who came of age amid the violence and rebellion of the 1980s and finally saw the destruction of apartheid and the birth of a new, democratic South Africa.
Mathabane writes in Miriam's voice based on stories she told him, but he has re-created her unforgettable experience as only someone who also lived through it could. The immediacy of the hardships that brother and sister endured -- from daily school beatings to overwhelming poverty -- is balanced by the beauty of their childhood observations and the true affection that they have for each other.

Genres: Africa, South Africa, Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, Race

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Mark Mathabane (born Johannes Mathabane) is an author, lecturer, and former collegiate tennis player.

Dr. Mathabane touched the hearts of millions with his sensational autobiography "Kaffir Boy." Telling the true story of his coming of age under apartheid in South Africa, the book won a prestigious Christopher Award, rose to No. 3 on The New York Times best-sellers list and to No. 1 on the Washington Post best-sellers list, and was translated into several languages.

Reviews

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apartheid in South Africa as viewed through the eyes of a young girl as she approaches womanhood. An excellent memoir. I can’t imagine a worse place to live than Alexandra - filth and poverty beyond belief. Google shows it the same 20 years later.

Miriam was fortunate to receive somewhat of an education in spite of continual fighting on her streets and the heavy hand of the government. Her brother and help from Oprah brought her to America - I wonder where she is today?

My Black History Month reading has taken me partying with the wealthy in Ghana, living under a dictator in Zimbabwe, returning Dr Livingstone’s to England, walking the Nile and experiencing the horrors of apartheid. Africa is just one sad story after another.

[Anstjfla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a memoir of the writer's sister called Miriam. While Mark Mathabane leaves to America in the time of Apartheid, his family stays behind, encountering the hardships that blacks face during the time. Miriam, the one who speaks in the story, aims her goal of being a nurse, and she continously reach for this goal despite the hardships she faces. The Bantu education was way behind compared to those which whites had recieved, but Miriam had a strong goal to achieve, and this gave her strong deterimination, unlike the people who dropped out or gave up on their schooling. She is a mentally strong person who has ambitions and willpower- I think she was one of the lucky people because unlike many other, she had a definate goal to live upon. She lives through the rebellion and later, saw the destruction of Apartheid. When I read this book, I remembered the phrase "heaven helps those who help themselves". Miriam was born in a situation where there seemed little hope. Her family had small wages (10 rands at first), her father drank and gambled, and she was beat in school for not carrying her handkerchief and not cutting her nails. However, things start to get better for those who work hard. Mark, the oldest brother of Miriam, is able to go to America and publish a book called Kaffir Boy. Her mother and father gets a better job, and the Habitat for Humanity builds a house for them. Mark's wife, Gale invites Miriam to study abroad in America, and she with her son finally is able to move closer and persue her dreams once again. I thought this story also could relate "to Kill a Mockingbird" because the story emphasizes the family love, and the willpower and courage to carry on through difficult times(Atticus going on with the trials even when he knows it would fail, Miriam continuing to study when she missed school for a year.)It also shows the relization of the discriminate worlds that surrounds us.

[Andy Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really good. I loved this book! Will definitely read again!

[AJ Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book I read on my Kenya trip.

I have wanted to read this one for a very long time, but was never able to find it in any book shop or library. So when I saw a copy at Capitol Hill Books, I had to get it!

I was a bit nervous to read it when I found out that Mark Mathebane wrote it, since I am not a fan of his personality (at least what I can see from his books). But, I liked the perspective that it would offer of his younger sister who stayed in South Africa during the turmoil of the 1980s and 1990s while he was living in America.

I really loved the stories as Miriam told them. I found her personality endearing, and her life is incredible. I liked this one much more than Kaffir Boy, though I should probably read that one again to get a better perspective. I also loved the perspective of life in Alexandra from her shy and quiet perspective. I also like the other view that is little told reagarding the uprisings in the townships - that many of the children did not want to join, but were forced. Popular history would make you believe that all of the children willingly rose up to fight, when that just isn't true. So I'm glad to see a personal view of the other side.

I really loved it, and highly recommend it.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Mathabane has written this story on behalf of his sister, Miriam, who stayed living in Alexandria, South Africa, long after her oldest sibling, Mark, went to America. Miriam and the rest of her family suffer continued abuses of apartheid. Miriam is a strong student of the Bantu education, which is far less equal than white education in South Africa. Miriam has dreams of going to America to become a nurse under Mark's care in America, who has married a white woman and has become the writer of Kaffir Boy, a bestseller on the New York Times list. Mark keeps his promise by bringing over his family, one by one to America. In Alexandria, Miriam is raped by a boy she has been friends with, has a child, and her dreams of finishing high school in Alexandria are delayed. School, because of extreme violence in the streets, is closed and open, closed and open. Living in poverty, fear, and violence shatters many dreams of those that live in the ghetto. Mark and Miriam's mom is the hero in both stories, fighting for her children to get an education against all odds, enabling them to attain their dreams.

[Gail Mathabane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked reading "Kaffir Boy: the True Story of a Black Youth's Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa," you will enjoy reading this book. It could be called Kaffir Girl because Mark Mathabane and Miriam Mathabane are siblings and were raised by the same strong, determined, long-suffering, patient mother who managed to keep all 7 of her children alive under apartheid. By the end of this book, you'll be eager to know how Miriam is doing. I won't give anything away because Miriam is my "skwiza" -- sister-in-law in the Tsonga language. She is truly a wonderful, remarkable human being and now lives in North Carolina.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know a bit about South Africa and apartheid, a very little bit, because of my age and remembering the horrible videos on the news from Soweto. This book takes you much closer than any news broadcast and into the lives of one family as seen through the eldest daughter's eyes and told to her brother Mark. He is the author of Kafir Boy which brought him international recognition after he appeared on Oprah Winfrey's show.

The book is a shocking eye opener. Things may be somewhat better there now, but not by much. I intend to follow up with more of Mark Mathabane's books. If you are at all interested in how the rest of the world lives, this (or probably any of Mark's books) is a must read.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! This is the story of Miriam growing up in South Africa during Apartheid. It's a slightly different perspective than Kaffir Boy in that Miriam is younger that Mark and so most of this book is written after Mark leaves home. And, it is different in that girls and boys are treated differently. Still, I am amazed as the resiliency of the family and the desire in Miriam to continue her education and do everything in her power to realize her dream of becoming a nurse.

[Brandi Fundingsland · Rating 5 out of 5]

an eye opening look at South African life during apartheid

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Following the funeral, Comrades step up their attacks on those regarded as collaborators. Members of the ATC are forced to resign. Policemen and their families are forced to flee the township. Vigilantes and impimpis are hunted down and necklaced. While returning from visiting Florah, Angie and I see the charred and bloated body of a man accused of being a Vigilante. I shudder at the grisly sight, but Angie simply laughs and points at the man’s grotesque face with its protruding teeth suggesting great agony in the fiery death. Her reaction makes me wonder what the violence is doing to young children.”

This excerpt from Miriam’s Song, a memoir of Miriam Mathabane written by her brother Mark Mathabane, powerfully captures the horror and psychological toll of apartheid-era violence in South Africa. These unsettling reactions highlight how deeply desensitized even young children had become in such a volatile environment.

Throughout the memoir, violence is inescapable, whether political or domestic. Fear and hardship permeate every aspect of daily life. Rape, domestic abuse, and the constant threat of police or vigilante brutality are tragically common. Amid such relentless hardship and poverty, people continue to survive. What stands out most is the resilience of individuals, especially women and children, who somehow carry on despite the trauma surrounding them.

Miriam’s Song is a sobering but vital record of the human cost of apartheid, and a powerful reflection on the strength of those who endured it.

I’ll be reflecting on this memoir for a long time to come and am keen to know what Miriam is doing now. Highly recommended (but best to read Kaffir Boy first).

[Ashish Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Miriam's point of view, one can easily comprehend aparthied is a giant issue in african country. In this powerful autobiography of her, you will find every female character is stoic and mentally strong, be it her mother, her friends or Miss Jones who is the principal of Miriam's school.

The way Miriam has nurtured herself and prepred for every circumstances is commnadable because of that, she has broken every obstacle with her determination. The way Miriam’s mother has supported to her family and her anticipatory decisions always averted them in a right direction that’s why her kids got wings for the their dreams.

One of the biggest problem Miriam faces when she is raped by a boy whom she credulous the most.Aftermath, her dreams seem to fall apart and like scatterd in a corner, but through the solidarity of her family and her mother. Miriam overcome from the situatation and augment towards her dream of becoming a nurse.

This is a powerful story of a family dealing with apartheid,destitute and freedom. How due to lack of money the family's fight over their dreams becomes bigger, it is also worth understanding through this book.

after Kaffir Boy Mark Mathabane has written one more strong book which helps reader to understand the life of Alexandra dwellers.

Loved it pls go ahead this is precious book📖📖📖

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mark's younger sister Miriam remained with the family in the Alexandra ghetto after he left for America. She grew up amid the violence and squalor of apartheid life ahead of Mandela's release from prison. This is the account of her growing up and striving for a better life.
This seems to be a candid and open account of life for women in the ghetto. Miriam endured a tremendous amount in her quest for an education and chance to fulfill her dream.

[Valentina Manasiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miriams Song is the second biography I read from Mark Mathabane and I must say it is almost as good as Kaffir Boy. It’s a story about the constant struggle of women, the abuse, both physical and mental they are exposed to, but also their determination and optimism despite all the odds and violent they are facing in one of the notorious townships during the apartheid. A very good insight into that era and definitely one of the “must read” anti-racism literature

[Kelton Crooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want an understanding of South African apartheid, this is the book for you. An incredible true story of a woman finding her strength during apartheid and how she lived day to day. Wonderful book. Changed how I viewed and engaged the world around me.

[Paul Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read Kaffir Boy first, then pick up this book telling Miriam's story (Mark's sister) of growing up during apartheid in South Africa.

[Miriam Schoenig · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is quite frustrating because the life Miriam leads is frustrating. In other words, the author tells it well.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was moving, gripping, intriguing, striking, and a revelation of the treatment of black women in apartheid South Africa. I loved Kaffir Boy but the story of Miriam, Johannes' sister that was left behind in South Africa, was able to grossly illustrate the abusive and violent lives of black women in Alexandra. Miriam is a strong women determined to stop at nothing to achieve her dream. I have nothing but appreciation for her as a human being and a woman.

This book describes the apartheid violence that escalated in the 1980s and 1990s, when Kaffir Boy ends. But in particular, the book describes the violence perpetrated against black women, which can be reduced down to Miriam's words: "They beat them, they rape them, they kill them, all mainly because the world in which they live teaches them these bad things." While reading the book, you really have a sense of how apartheid policies perpetrated against blacks instituted the continued violence between blacks whether they be men, women, or children. A gripping story that is a must read!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I knew so little about South Africa's immense struggle with the injustice of Apartheid, I found this book incredibly eye-opening, if not somewhat shocking. With each chapter I thought, "How could young Miriam possibly endure more?" - and then she would. Knowing that this is a memoir containing all facts rather than "loosely based on" or "partly fictionalized" scenes made it difficult to read. I often found myself needing to take a break from the book to process the inhumane and horrific things she experienced. However, I found that the slightly detached voice of the author (Miriam's brother)made it possible for me to forge my way through the text, whereas I could not stomach the violence of "A Thousand Splendid Suns" due to its intensely graphic descriptions. You should be aware of the content of this book, but be prepared for emotionally difficult content.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biography of Miriam Mathabane, sister of Mark Mathabane , during the years that Mark described in Kaffir Boy and Kaffir Boy in America. Having read all three books, it is striking to me how different the lives of African men and women are, how disparate their expectations and opportunities. Mark's autobiographies give a chilling picture of life under Apartheid and, later, the long adjustment of settling in a foreign land. I think Miriam's Song is better written than either of his earlier books and is an interesting, if sad, read. It certainly shows the resiliency of S. African women and portrays how young people can get swept up in events beyond their control.

[Brett Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing, sad, inspiring book. Miriam's story gives a first hand experience of the extreme hardships the black people in South Africa faced under apartheid and the violence that preceded the fall of apartheid.

What I loved most about this book is how simple the wiring is. It doesn't read like a scholarly, heavy-worded text. Mark, writing his sister's story, doesn't try to "smart" the story. The events are laid bare for all to understand and it makes for a better emotional connection to Miriam and all the struggles she faced.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written about Mark's sister Miriam based on stories she told him. Miriam stayed in South Africa and it was about the struggles she faced such as poverty, beatings and the love between brother and sister. Miriam has a dream of becoming a nurse; however because she is black she received subpar education. Mark is able to invite Miriam to the US to continue her studies and become a nurse after all of the struggles she has been through. It was heartwarming and I love the optimism she holds for her future.

[sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great companion book to 'Kaffir boy'. I never learned much on apartheid in school so a lot of the content was shocking to me. For those who read mathabane's first book this follows it by telling the story of his sister (and family) who was left behind when he left for america. (not a spoiler by the way, it says so on the back cover) Recomended to anyone interested in knowing more about him and getting a closer look at africa.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir is from the perspective of Miriam, sister to the author, Mark. Mark's story is chronicled in *Kaffir Boy*. I found Kaffir Boy to be much better written. However, this book makes a good companion piece to Kaffir Boy. I especially appreciate hearing a girl's perspective. Even though I am a bit critical of the book, I am incredibly glad I read it. In an easy way, it helps one understand better life under Apartheid. For that reason alone, it could be more than 3 stars.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This companion/sequel to "Kaffir Boy" provides another detailed and realistic account of life inside apartheid-era townships--including the 1976 student uprising and the 1986 Alexandra Rebellion. The author writes from his sister's perspective, which offers a unique insight into the treatment of women. Despite all the problems and suffering, the ending offers an element of hopefulness.

[Alison]

This was one of my favorite books in the begining of the year because it is a memoir of an Afican American girl and how she suffers throughout her life. Not only because of her family condition, but also how she gets bullied at school. This book taught me that we should be happy with what we have right now because many other people suffer to survive and deal with a hard life to live on.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good memoir about a young girl coming of age in South Africa around the end of apartheid. It was really moving to me that despite living among squalor and violence, Miriam was deeply religious and wanted to realize her dream of being a nurse. This is the first book where I actually looked up the website to see if I could contact the author…I’m definitely considering it.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating is only about my personal response to the book, and not in any way a reflection on how well it was written. Mathabane did an excellent job of telling his sister's story. And that was the problem, I hated all the things she went through and just wanted to finish the book and think about something else.

[Stephengibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, it talks about the things the went on in Alexandra, a small city outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. This book also Talked about historical figures that Started Racial Movements. Example, Steve Biko, who was killed by the police, but they said he died from starvation which was a lie. Overall this is a amazing book to read I would recommend more people to read it.

[Lori Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Mathabane has an incredible descriptive caphability.
Deeply engaging descriptions and accurate analysis of his characters feelings and movements make his books an absolute must for non-fiction readers. 5 stars.

[Brian Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Memoir written about a girl named Miriam, and her life growing up in the ghetto of alexandra during the Apartheid in South Africa. I found this book interesting. If you have any doubts about the importance of education you should read this book. Education is freedom.