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Sticks in a Bundle: Transitions
“Absolutely stunning.” — The Bookouture Team.
“A richly told story, vivid and unique.” — The Booklife Prize.
In Transitions , Eshile Mthembu navigates the emotional turmoil of friendship, love, loss, and responsibility as we join her on the second leg of her poignant coming-of-age journey. Although 1970s apartheid offers little freedom to choose her own path, the taste of rebellion’s success lingers and strengthens her determination to fight prejudice with her actions and words.
When Eshile embraces a life-altering opportunity, she resolves many childhood and family issues, until an unimaginable tragedy turns her world upside down. Then she questions her faith and goals. The realities of growing up in South Africa force her to balance what her heart craves against what her ancestors require. The choices she makes shape the woman she becomes.
Discover the power of one girl’s voice in a landscape of discrimination and oppression. Fans of Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” and Kingsolver’s “Demon Copperhead” are drawn to Spencer’s moving narrative of Eshile’s quest to find her place in a divided society. This provocative tale will stay with you long after you read the last page.
Add a copy of Sticks in a Bundle: Transitions, Book II of the trilogy, to your reading list today!
“A richly told story, vivid and unique.” — The Booklife Prize.
In Transitions , Eshile Mthembu navigates the emotional turmoil of friendship, love, loss, and responsibility as we join her on the second leg of her poignant coming-of-age journey. Although 1970s apartheid offers little freedom to choose her own path, the taste of rebellion’s success lingers and strengthens her determination to fight prejudice with her actions and words.
When Eshile embraces a life-altering opportunity, she resolves many childhood and family issues, until an unimaginable tragedy turns her world upside down. Then she questions her faith and goals. The realities of growing up in South Africa force her to balance what her heart craves against what her ancestors require. The choices she makes shape the woman she becomes.
Discover the power of one girl’s voice in a landscape of discrimination and oppression. Fans of Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” and Kingsolver’s “Demon Copperhead” are drawn to Spencer’s moving narrative of Eshile’s quest to find her place in a divided society. This provocative tale will stay with you long after you read the last page.
Add a copy of Sticks in a Bundle: Transitions, Book II of the trilogy, to your reading list today!
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Pat Spencer
9 books74 followersDr. Pat Spencer has a lifetime of experience publishing fiction and nonfiction. Her book credits include the literary and historical fiction trilogy of Sticks in a Bundle Trilogy — Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years (Book I), Transitions (Book II), and The Decision (Book III) -; Golden Boxty in the Frypan, historical fiction; A Baker’s Dozen For Writers: 13 Tips for Great Storytelling; and Story of a Stolen Girl, an International thriller; and Sticks in a Bundle. Her textbook is published by Milady/Cengage Learning.
Pat’s short story, A Healing Place, won the 2019 Oceanside Literary Festival. Other short stories and articles are published in journals such as the Literary Yard, Scarlet Leaf Review, Potato Soup Journal, Almost an Author, Vine Leaves Press, and Academy of the Heart and Mind. Pat authored a column in the Press-Enterprise newspaper and served as a columnist and contributing editor to Inland Empire Magazine.
Pat lived in three countries and seven states. She loves to travel and spent time in Europe, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Greece, Mexico, the Galapagos, and the Bahamas, as well as Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands. She has road-tripped across the continental United States several times. Pat enjoys getting to know people and learning about their culture.
Dr. Spencer, a retired professor and community college president, lives in Southern California with her husband. She speaks to service and community organizations on human trafficking, writing processes, and her books. When not writing, Pat golfs, reads, walks the beach, hangs out with family and friends, or frequents book clubs and writing critique groups.
Pat’s short story, A Healing Place, won the 2019 Oceanside Literary Festival. Other short stories and articles are published in journals such as the Literary Yard, Scarlet Leaf Review, Potato Soup Journal, Almost an Author, Vine Leaves Press, and Academy of the Heart and Mind. Pat authored a column in the Press-Enterprise newspaper and served as a columnist and contributing editor to Inland Empire Magazine.
Pat lived in three countries and seven states. She loves to travel and spent time in Europe, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, New Zealand, Australia, Italy, Greece, Mexico, the Galapagos, and the Bahamas, as well as Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands. She has road-tripped across the continental United States several times. Pat enjoys getting to know people and learning about their culture.
Dr. Spencer, a retired professor and community college president, lives in Southern California with her husband. She speaks to service and community organizations on human trafficking, writing processes, and her books. When not writing, Pat golfs, reads, walks the beach, hangs out with family and friends, or frequents book clubs and writing critique groups.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 25, 2025
Having enjoyed the first book in this trilogy very much, I was delighted to join Eshile and her family as they arrive at the Ilanga Safari Lodge where they are met by warmth and friendship as they are introduced to those they will be working and living with.
Their rondavel and surroundings are a revelation to them all and a complete difference to their lives in Soweto. There they were living in poverty, surrounded by others living hand to mouth under the most relentless and inhumane restrictions, including dangerous working conditions, gangs and police raids constant elements in their daily lives, especially for this blended family. Particularly challenging for Asanda and Elishe whose Dutch father abandoned them so young, with Asanda especially vulnerable with her more obvious European colouring.
This is a wonderland for the children and when not in school they were free to explore the surrounding savannahs and watering holes, developing a particular fondness for a young mother elephant and her offspring. Things are idyllic and even missing their family back in Soweto does not dampen their joy in their new home.
The readers are treated to a guided tour of the African veldt and its amazing animal life, as the children learn more about their surroundings. New characters are a delight such as Rosie whose warm heart will sustain the family even in more difficult times as do other members of the staff and the church they attend.
Life and its complexities however cannot be ignored and the family is faced with making some decisions which could change their lives again in a very dramatic way.
This book captures a time in the history of South Africa which is not one to be proud of. But what is to be admired is the courage and the tenacity of those who stood up for the abolishment of this system despite the ruthless response from the authorities. Their courage inspired others to also protest creating a multi-cultural movement for change.
Eshile has a dream to add her voice to those already in the fight despite the risks this course will bring. As the demand for justice intensifies it is going to be interesting to see how this family will fare in the next book in the series.
This is a beautifully written family saga, set in stunning surroundings in a time of turmoil. It is emotive and engaging; remaining in the mind and heart long after the last page has been turned. Highly recommended.
Their rondavel and surroundings are a revelation to them all and a complete difference to their lives in Soweto. There they were living in poverty, surrounded by others living hand to mouth under the most relentless and inhumane restrictions, including dangerous working conditions, gangs and police raids constant elements in their daily lives, especially for this blended family. Particularly challenging for Asanda and Elishe whose Dutch father abandoned them so young, with Asanda especially vulnerable with her more obvious European colouring.
This is a wonderland for the children and when not in school they were free to explore the surrounding savannahs and watering holes, developing a particular fondness for a young mother elephant and her offspring. Things are idyllic and even missing their family back in Soweto does not dampen their joy in their new home.
The readers are treated to a guided tour of the African veldt and its amazing animal life, as the children learn more about their surroundings. New characters are a delight such as Rosie whose warm heart will sustain the family even in more difficult times as do other members of the staff and the church they attend.
Life and its complexities however cannot be ignored and the family is faced with making some decisions which could change their lives again in a very dramatic way.
This book captures a time in the history of South Africa which is not one to be proud of. But what is to be admired is the courage and the tenacity of those who stood up for the abolishment of this system despite the ruthless response from the authorities. Their courage inspired others to also protest creating a multi-cultural movement for change.
Eshile has a dream to add her voice to those already in the fight despite the risks this course will bring. As the demand for justice intensifies it is going to be interesting to see how this family will fare in the next book in the series.
This is a beautifully written family saga, set in stunning surroundings in a time of turmoil. It is emotive and engaging; remaining in the mind and heart long after the last page has been turned. Highly recommended.
March 1, 2025
I finished reading Transitions. Let me take a breath real quick and I'll tell you what I thought of it. Okay. So the first book was beautifully written. This one continues the story of Eshile and her family. They live in Africa. The second book in the series is written just as wonderful as the first. It's moving and pulled me in. I enjoyed how Pat included the animals in the story, giving this story life. Without giving away anything (because I don't want to ruin it, and I think you should discover this gem on your own), I have to say I highly recommend this one, but do read the first book first, so you understand Eshille's journey. Then you'll appreciate her second part of the story.
April 18, 2025
The account of Eshile Liyema Mthembu’s life continues in this second book. The year is 1972, and Eshile is 11 years old. Her family has departed from Soweto, leaving behind beloved aunties, uncles, and grandparents for a new life at the Ilanga Safari Lodge, where her father has found a job. The first half of the book takes place there, and it’s a time free of the violence and oppression of Soweto, offering a glimpse of South Africa’s beautiful landscape and treasure of wildlife.
This is a place where racial tensions are almost absent, and it serves as a sharp contrast to the first book as well as what’s to come. I enjoyed getting to know the characters more deeply, especially Eshile’s parents. Her maturing perspective was relatable and endearing, reflecting to me the genuine way that growing children begin to see their parents as complex people. Her newfound respect for her father was touching.
At about the midway mark, a tragedy befalls the family, and they must return to Soweto, where little has changed, and certainly not for the better. Eshile is reunited with her extended family and has a deepening perspective regarding the oppression and injustices of apartheid. Eshile finds herself caught up in the rising protests, increased danger, and feels she must make choices about her future, her duty to family, and her need to speak out.
This book isn’t loaded with action, especially during the first half, but I found the story engrossing nonetheless, particularly for its historical perspective, fascinating setting, child’s POV, and rich characters. It reads very much like a memoir, and Eshile and her family members are easy to root for. Highly recommended. Book 3 coming up!
This is a place where racial tensions are almost absent, and it serves as a sharp contrast to the first book as well as what’s to come. I enjoyed getting to know the characters more deeply, especially Eshile’s parents. Her maturing perspective was relatable and endearing, reflecting to me the genuine way that growing children begin to see their parents as complex people. Her newfound respect for her father was touching.
At about the midway mark, a tragedy befalls the family, and they must return to Soweto, where little has changed, and certainly not for the better. Eshile is reunited with her extended family and has a deepening perspective regarding the oppression and injustices of apartheid. Eshile finds herself caught up in the rising protests, increased danger, and feels she must make choices about her future, her duty to family, and her need to speak out.
This book isn’t loaded with action, especially during the first half, but I found the story engrossing nonetheless, particularly for its historical perspective, fascinating setting, child’s POV, and rich characters. It reads very much like a memoir, and Eshile and her family members are easy to root for. Highly recommended. Book 3 coming up!
July 4, 2025
This is the second novel in Dr. Pat Spencer's Sticks in a Bundle series. I would recommend reading the first book in the series as this enhances the understanding in the character development. Eshile Mthembu (11) is the middle child of three sisters. Having lived in Soweto, South Africa, under apartheid all her life, she knows no other way. Having a lighter-skinned older sister reinforces that the rules aren't the same for everyone. The family has been scraping by for years until her father finds a new job at the Ilanga Safari Lodge many hours away. Though they leave family behind in Soweto, Eshile's mom, dad, and the three girls move. Their standard of living improves immediately, and while the family is still cautious, they don't have to constantly live in fear for their safety. Father becomes a skilled tour guide at the lodge and takes guests around in a bus to observe the African wildlife.
Just when things seem to be at their best, tragedy strikes, and the family returns to Soweto. Eshile and her sisters have become accustomed to their improved lives and struggle with returning, a reminder of the poverty they left behind. As Eshile matures, she is more observant of the inequities between the races and sees the harm that apartheid can do. She wants to use her voice as a writer to educate those who may be fooled by the government's propaganda, but doing so could cost her life. The action ramps up in the last quarter of the book with a suspenseful conclusion.
Just when things seem to be at their best, tragedy strikes, and the family returns to Soweto. Eshile and her sisters have become accustomed to their improved lives and struggle with returning, a reminder of the poverty they left behind. As Eshile matures, she is more observant of the inequities between the races and sees the harm that apartheid can do. She wants to use her voice as a writer to educate those who may be fooled by the government's propaganda, but doing so could cost her life. The action ramps up in the last quarter of the book with a suspenseful conclusion.
November 17, 2024
Having enjoyed The Early Years—the first book in the Sticks in a Bundle trilogy—I was eager to dive into the next installment, Transitions. I’m thrilled to say it exceeded my expectations.
In Transitions, we follow Eshile and her family as they temporarily escape the harsh realities of life in Soweto to live and work at the Ilanga Safari Lodge in Phalaborwa. This brief period of respite brings not only stability but also the rare luxury of comfortable living quarters, plentiful food, and the security of regular employment for both parents. Amid these comforts, thirteen-year-old Eshile continues to be the heart and soul of her family. Her wisdom and courage guide her through both joyous moments and the heartbreak that comes with change when tragedy strikes.
Spencer’s rich, descriptive prose once again shines. The setting feels alive, vividly capturing the beauty of the natural habitat with fascinating anecdotes of wildlife encounters and daily life at the lodge.
I highly recommend reading Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years first to fully appreciate Eshile’s journey and understand the depth of her story. Don’t miss out on this beautifully written series—you’ll be captivated from start to finish!
In Transitions, we follow Eshile and her family as they temporarily escape the harsh realities of life in Soweto to live and work at the Ilanga Safari Lodge in Phalaborwa. This brief period of respite brings not only stability but also the rare luxury of comfortable living quarters, plentiful food, and the security of regular employment for both parents. Amid these comforts, thirteen-year-old Eshile continues to be the heart and soul of her family. Her wisdom and courage guide her through both joyous moments and the heartbreak that comes with change when tragedy strikes.
Spencer’s rich, descriptive prose once again shines. The setting feels alive, vividly capturing the beauty of the natural habitat with fascinating anecdotes of wildlife encounters and daily life at the lodge.
I highly recommend reading Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years first to fully appreciate Eshile’s journey and understand the depth of her story. Don’t miss out on this beautifully written series—you’ll be captivated from start to finish!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews