Because pula means rain

by Jenny Robson

Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature: gold (2000)
Unesco Prize for Childrens' and Youth Literature (2003)
A truly heart-rending story, about a young Tswana boy living in a small village in Botswana who is an albino. The unsophisticated rural community ostracises him and avoids him out of fear that they will become like him - a fate worse than death! His longing to be accepted as part of the community and his efforts to bring this about, as well as the outcome of these efforts, form the poignant main theme of this very beautiful book for teenaged readers.

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

About the author

Jennifer Marion Robson (née Murray) is the first author to ever win four consecutive prizes in the Sanlam Youth Novel Competition for the novels Don’t Panic, Mechanic (1994), One Magic Moment (1996), The Denials of Kow-Ten (1998) and Because Pula Means Rain (2000).

Jenny was born and raised in Cape Town. She studied primary school teaching at the Teaching College in Mowbray and went on to study at the University of South Africa (Unisa) where she obtained her B.A. degree in Philosophy.

After two years of teaching in Simons Town, she moved to the diamond-mining town of Orapa in Botswana. She taught music there at Livingstone House for over thirty years. Jenny now lives in Maun in Botswana where she still teaches music. She is widowed and has two adult sons who live in London, UK.

Jenny loves writing for young people as she admires their spontaneity and lack of hypocrisy. Her favourite theme in her books is the utter uniqueness of the individual. She hates any form of stereotyping and sees every individual as a “never to be repeated entity.”

Reviews

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a special one to me...the author was my music teacher for 6 years!! A beautifully written book from an inspirational woman!! Well worth the read!

[Ntebaleng Molewa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself moved by the story of Emmanuel. I love it when a book makes me think about the lessons the author is trying to each even when I’m trying to go about my life. I noticed myself thinking about the battles that people might be fighting that the rest of the world may not be aware of. It also had me questioning what being “normal” actually means and how being a unique adult often stems from being an “abnormal” child. One other thing the book made me think about was how conflicted many people are as they try and juggle religious beliefs with cultural or traditional aspects.
Good, short read.

[Tatenda Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmanuel truly faced his fears and, in doing so, buried the fears of his people. I only wish they knew it was him who saved them. Yet, I also appreciate that the author chose to keep his sacrifice a secret—it makes the story even more profound. Emmanuel’s journey was incredibly difficult, and being part of it as a reader gave me a deeper understanding of who we are as people. It reflected the true nature of humanity in a way that was both humbling and inspiring.

[Mbali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice app🥲

[Matshidiso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book so much ! I find myself even thinking about the book even when not reading it . I love the small references in has about my country .Love love the life lessons it teaches .