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When Time Fails
Hundreds of kilometres away from Johannesburg, on a farm in the South African Free State province, the shadow of Alan Silverman (A Beautiful Family) hangs over the lives and future of the van Zyl family. Annamari made one mistake in her Alan Silverman. It was a mistake that that will haunt her always.. It's a mistake that can destroy the people she loves. How will she deal with the agony of watching her carefully constructed web of lies disintegrate? Set during the death throes of the Apartheid era and the emergence of the “new” South Africa, When Time Fails follows Annamari and her family as they struggle to come to terms with a changing world.and their place in it.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2015
3 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Cohen de Villiers
5 books13 followersI was born and raised in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs, the youngest daughter of an extraordinarily ordinary, happy, stable, traditional (rather than observant) Jewish family. After matriculating at Northview High School, I went to Rhodes University in Grahamstown where I served on the SRC, competed (badly) in synchronised swimming and completed a B. Journalism degree. This was followed by a “totally useless” - according to my parents - English Honours (first class), also at Rhodes.
With the dawning of the turbulent 1980s, I started my career as a reporter on a daily newspaper, working first in the news and later, the finance departments. During this period, I interviewed, among others, Frank Sinatra, Jeffrey Archer, Eugene Terre’blanche and Desmond Tutu. I caught crocodiles; avoided rocks and tear smoke canisters in various South African townships; stayed awake through interminable city council meetings and criminal and civil court cases - and learned to interpret balance sheets. I also married my then news editor, Poen de Villiers, who passed away on 15 March 2015.
After the birth of our two daughters, I ‘crossed over’ into Public Relations with its regular hours and predictability. My writing - articles, media releases, opinion and thought leadership pieces and so on – continues to be published regularly in newspapers and other media, usually under someone else’s by-line.
The unexpected death of a childhood friend and colleague in 2012 spurred me to take stock of my life. A few months later, I started writing A Beautiful Family. This was followed by
When Times Fails - and part three of the Alan Silverman saga will hopefully be released in 2016 or 2017.
With the dawning of the turbulent 1980s, I started my career as a reporter on a daily newspaper, working first in the news and later, the finance departments. During this period, I interviewed, among others, Frank Sinatra, Jeffrey Archer, Eugene Terre’blanche and Desmond Tutu. I caught crocodiles; avoided rocks and tear smoke canisters in various South African townships; stayed awake through interminable city council meetings and criminal and civil court cases - and learned to interpret balance sheets. I also married my then news editor, Poen de Villiers, who passed away on 15 March 2015.
After the birth of our two daughters, I ‘crossed over’ into Public Relations with its regular hours and predictability. My writing - articles, media releases, opinion and thought leadership pieces and so on – continues to be published regularly in newspapers and other media, usually under someone else’s by-line.
The unexpected death of a childhood friend and colleague in 2012 spurred me to take stock of my life. A few months later, I started writing A Beautiful Family. This was followed by
When Times Fails - and part three of the Alan Silverman saga will hopefully be released in 2016 or 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 24, 2015
I was so pleased to have the opportunity to be one of the first to read and review this book. I have a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, knowing that I was involved in voting for this front cover, so already felt an attachment towards this book before reading it.
When Time Fails is set in South Africa during the Apartheid era and beyond, as things began to change. Although this wasn’t the main focus of the story, having this subject run alongside the main storyline, did make it quite emotive and real feeling. Apartheid is something I was aware of, but hadn’t thought much about, so being given an idea of what it must have been like to live in South Africa during that period was eye opening for me.
I read a lot of books with secrets, but this was slightly different, as you know the secret from the very beginning, so the focus is much more on what Annamari will do with that secret. What extent will she go to in order to keep her secret from others? What happens when circumstances threaten to unravel her secret? Will she ever fully reveal her secret? What will be the consequences of any of those nearest and dearest to her finding out her secret? These are the questions you will ask yourself as you read this novel.
Throughout the story I found myself feeling sorry for Annamari, and hoping that somehow she would be able to avoid revealing her secret. Quite near the end of this book my anxiety was so high I could feel myself holding my breath.
I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy family sagas and cultural books. The story covers a few decades, but I felt it moved at just the right pace for me.
Although this is book 2 in the Silverman Saga series, it can be read as a standalone novel. I have not read the first book, and do not feel like I have missed out on anything by not having read the first.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book, via THE Book Club (TBC) on Facebook, in exchange for an honest review, and wish her great success with this book.
When Time Fails is set in South Africa during the Apartheid era and beyond, as things began to change. Although this wasn’t the main focus of the story, having this subject run alongside the main storyline, did make it quite emotive and real feeling. Apartheid is something I was aware of, but hadn’t thought much about, so being given an idea of what it must have been like to live in South Africa during that period was eye opening for me.
I read a lot of books with secrets, but this was slightly different, as you know the secret from the very beginning, so the focus is much more on what Annamari will do with that secret. What extent will she go to in order to keep her secret from others? What happens when circumstances threaten to unravel her secret? Will she ever fully reveal her secret? What will be the consequences of any of those nearest and dearest to her finding out her secret? These are the questions you will ask yourself as you read this novel.
Throughout the story I found myself feeling sorry for Annamari, and hoping that somehow she would be able to avoid revealing her secret. Quite near the end of this book my anxiety was so high I could feel myself holding my breath.
I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy family sagas and cultural books. The story covers a few decades, but I felt it moved at just the right pace for me.
Although this is book 2 in the Silverman Saga series, it can be read as a standalone novel. I have not read the first book, and do not feel like I have missed out on anything by not having read the first.
I would like to thank the author for a copy of this book, via THE Book Club (TBC) on Facebook, in exchange for an honest review, and wish her great success with this book.
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June 25, 2018A tale of one woman's deceit and its devastating effect on her family
Having read A Beautiful Family, the first of the Silverman saga books, I was looking forward to another gripping story. Alan Silverman, whose life was the subject of the first book, was a thoroughly nasty piece of work but in some respects a product of his sad childhood. This book charts the life of Annamarie, one of Alan Silverman's first casualties. Rejected by Silverman when she becomes pregnant, she marries her childhood sweetheart,Thys, omitting to tell him she is carrying another man's child. The consequences of this decision are played out against the background of S African Apartheid and post-Apartheid politics, in too much detail at times for most non- S Africans, I felt. The book seemed to get bogged down with politics mid-way.
I also found the main premise of the story unbelievable. Why, when it was mentioned many times that Annamarie's son Arno was the double of Alan Silverman, did she imagine she could keep this secret?
However, an enjoyable book on the whole. I'd love to see how the family fares in the next book.
Having read A Beautiful Family, the first of the Silverman saga books, I was looking forward to another gripping story. Alan Silverman, whose life was the subject of the first book, was a thoroughly nasty piece of work but in some respects a product of his sad childhood. This book charts the life of Annamarie, one of Alan Silverman's first casualties. Rejected by Silverman when she becomes pregnant, she marries her childhood sweetheart,Thys, omitting to tell him she is carrying another man's child. The consequences of this decision are played out against the background of S African Apartheid and post-Apartheid politics, in too much detail at times for most non- S Africans, I felt. The book seemed to get bogged down with politics mid-way.
I also found the main premise of the story unbelievable. Why, when it was mentioned many times that Annamarie's son Arno was the double of Alan Silverman, did she imagine she could keep this secret?
However, an enjoyable book on the whole. I'd love to see how the family fares in the next book.
September 21, 2015
I picked up this book from eb Rosebank because I was attracted to the cover. The woman looked very lonely and appeared to have a long way to go.
Basically, the book is about Annamari's concealment of her baby's father at age 17 and how that decision impacted on her life and her family's for 35 years.
Anni came from a boerefamilie who were were generational farmers. When her one time with Alan Silverman resulted in a pregnancy at age 17, she panicked and told her parents that the baby was Thys's, her high school sweetheart. Thys did the right thing and married her. A few years later they had 2 more sons and she settled into domestic bliss.
When her parents are killed on the farm and they move back to the farm, their perfectly crafted life unravels. Arno, their oldest son, grows very attached to Beauty, the coloured niece of Petrus, the farm worker. Anni realises early on that Beauty's father is Arno's father. She can't share her fears with anyone, least of all her husband Thys and she determines to break them up. She succeeds but 20 years later, Arno brings a girl home and lo and behold, Aviva is Alan Silverman's daughter.
Nou is sy in groot mooilikheid. She can't bring the race card again, they are both white. Nor can she play the "you are closer than siblings. It will not work" tune. After much anguish, she dejectedly tells her husband the truth and double whammy...he's known for 20 years. Thys has always loved her. Loved her more than life itself. Love's her still. Together they tell Arno and Aviva. Arno falls apart. Aviva falls apart. Together they elope into the sunset and live happily ever after.
In the meantime, back at the farm, Thys and Anni decide not to tell their 2 youngest boys, Dr Wet and Steyn. Beauty slaps them with a land claim. After deciding not to fight it this time, they decide to relocate and start their senior lives elsewhere.
Outside of this bubble, significant political developments unravelled in the South African political milieu. Marylin's book spans over 3 decades. Notable highlights include the referendum, the establishment of the government of national unity, the 1st democratic elections and redressing past imbalances.
Having lived through all these events and experienced the insecurities that came with them, it was thought provoking seeing the same effects on a white South African. During the transitional period, which was a good few years before the 1994 democratic vote, I was in high school and I remember the day of the referendum. The mood was loaded with tension at my school and the teachers were fraught with anxiety.
I remember standing in the queue for hours to cast my 1st vote. Battling to secure my 1st job. Battling. Battling. Battling for so much in the new South Africa. Was I black enough for BEE?? I guess whites had the same fears. Will they be allowed to stay? Will they be chased back to Europe? Turbulent times. We came out alright.
There's still a lot to be done but great strides have been made. So proud to be South African and live on this great land of ours.
"When time fails" is a well written literary piece which draws on historically significant political developments.
Highly recommended.
Basically, the book is about Annamari's concealment of her baby's father at age 17 and how that decision impacted on her life and her family's for 35 years.
Anni came from a boerefamilie who were were generational farmers. When her one time with Alan Silverman resulted in a pregnancy at age 17, she panicked and told her parents that the baby was Thys's, her high school sweetheart. Thys did the right thing and married her. A few years later they had 2 more sons and she settled into domestic bliss.
When her parents are killed on the farm and they move back to the farm, their perfectly crafted life unravels. Arno, their oldest son, grows very attached to Beauty, the coloured niece of Petrus, the farm worker. Anni realises early on that Beauty's father is Arno's father. She can't share her fears with anyone, least of all her husband Thys and she determines to break them up. She succeeds but 20 years later, Arno brings a girl home and lo and behold, Aviva is Alan Silverman's daughter.
Nou is sy in groot mooilikheid. She can't bring the race card again, they are both white. Nor can she play the "you are closer than siblings. It will not work" tune. After much anguish, she dejectedly tells her husband the truth and double whammy...he's known for 20 years. Thys has always loved her. Loved her more than life itself. Love's her still. Together they tell Arno and Aviva. Arno falls apart. Aviva falls apart. Together they elope into the sunset and live happily ever after.
In the meantime, back at the farm, Thys and Anni decide not to tell their 2 youngest boys, Dr Wet and Steyn. Beauty slaps them with a land claim. After deciding not to fight it this time, they decide to relocate and start their senior lives elsewhere.
Outside of this bubble, significant political developments unravelled in the South African political milieu. Marylin's book spans over 3 decades. Notable highlights include the referendum, the establishment of the government of national unity, the 1st democratic elections and redressing past imbalances.
Having lived through all these events and experienced the insecurities that came with them, it was thought provoking seeing the same effects on a white South African. During the transitional period, which was a good few years before the 1994 democratic vote, I was in high school and I remember the day of the referendum. The mood was loaded with tension at my school and the teachers were fraught with anxiety.
I remember standing in the queue for hours to cast my 1st vote. Battling to secure my 1st job. Battling. Battling. Battling for so much in the new South Africa. Was I black enough for BEE?? I guess whites had the same fears. Will they be allowed to stay? Will they be chased back to Europe? Turbulent times. We came out alright.
There's still a lot to be done but great strides have been made. So proud to be South African and live on this great land of ours.
"When time fails" is a well written literary piece which draws on historically significant political developments.
Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2015
4.5*
I have read the first book in the Alan Silverman trilogy, which I gave a 4* rating. Marilyn Cohen de Villiers has now delivered the second part of the trilogy and I feel it is even better than the first. I would say that it is not necessary to have read A Beautiful Family in order to enjoy and understand this book as it has enough detail and context to be read as a standalone novel.
When Time Fails follows the married life of Annamari, who aged 17 made a mistake with Alan Silverman that would have dreadful consequences for those she loves.
The story unfolds on a farm in South Africa against the backdrop of the end of the Apartheid era and the the emergence of the "New South Africa". Although the novel is not about Apartheid and its demise, the subject is carefully woven in to the story in order to place it in the correct time frame and context. The characters are well developed and their attitudes to the changing South Africa appropriate to their age and the time frame of the novel. The descriptions of the farm enable the reader to transport themselves there.
This is a well written family saga that I could not put down. We all make mistakes, some have worse consequences than others and Annamari had to live with the consequences of hers whilst also managing how they affected her family. Some difficult issues are dealt with in the novel, but they are handled sympathetically by the author.
I would like to thank Marilyn Cohen de Villiers and TBC for the opportunity of reading an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
I have read the first book in the Alan Silverman trilogy, which I gave a 4* rating. Marilyn Cohen de Villiers has now delivered the second part of the trilogy and I feel it is even better than the first. I would say that it is not necessary to have read A Beautiful Family in order to enjoy and understand this book as it has enough detail and context to be read as a standalone novel.
When Time Fails follows the married life of Annamari, who aged 17 made a mistake with Alan Silverman that would have dreadful consequences for those she loves.
The story unfolds on a farm in South Africa against the backdrop of the end of the Apartheid era and the the emergence of the "New South Africa". Although the novel is not about Apartheid and its demise, the subject is carefully woven in to the story in order to place it in the correct time frame and context. The characters are well developed and their attitudes to the changing South Africa appropriate to their age and the time frame of the novel. The descriptions of the farm enable the reader to transport themselves there.
This is a well written family saga that I could not put down. We all make mistakes, some have worse consequences than others and Annamari had to live with the consequences of hers whilst also managing how they affected her family. Some difficult issues are dealt with in the novel, but they are handled sympathetically by the author.
I would like to thank Marilyn Cohen de Villiers and TBC for the opportunity of reading an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
October 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It's the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone-I haven't read the first one.
The book is set in South Africa during the time of apartheid, and after.
It focuses on Annamari and a mistake from her past that comes to haunt her. It follows how she has to live with the consequences of the mistake and how it affects her family.
This is a beautifully written book that deals with some difficult and sensitive issues. I would definitely recommend people give this book a go.
I would like to thank TBC and the author for my copy of When time fails, which was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
The book is set in South Africa during the time of apartheid, and after.
It focuses on Annamari and a mistake from her past that comes to haunt her. It follows how she has to live with the consequences of the mistake and how it affects her family.
This is a beautifully written book that deals with some difficult and sensitive issues. I would definitely recommend people give this book a go.
I would like to thank TBC and the author for my copy of When time fails, which was sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2016
I received this book in return for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing was a pleasure to read, the story was great. It's how marriage, life and its consequences revolve and evolve with one small lie. I had not read the first in the series, I shall do so now. It's fortunate that I understood the Afrikaans words so I dd not have to keep flipping back to the glossary.
August 14, 2018
This book, the second in the Silverman trilogy is, I felt, better than the first one.
It tells the story of Annamari who, along with her husband Thys, grew up in the same village as Alan Silverman.
When her youthful indiscretion threatens to spoil her future, Annamari conceals the truth and embarks on the life she dreamed of, only to have her past pose one problem after another.
Now, when her children have grown up, her son Arno has made an important life decision that horrifies Annamari and threatens to destroy the very family she so carefully protected.
But she cannot hide the truth this time as there is simply no way out.
The story weaves in real life incidents in post apartheid South Africa and paints a picture of how, in atoning for an injustice done, often another injustice is perpetrated.
It tells the story of Annamari who, along with her husband Thys, grew up in the same village as Alan Silverman.
When her youthful indiscretion threatens to spoil her future, Annamari conceals the truth and embarks on the life she dreamed of, only to have her past pose one problem after another.
Now, when her children have grown up, her son Arno has made an important life decision that horrifies Annamari and threatens to destroy the very family she so carefully protected.
But she cannot hide the truth this time as there is simply no way out.
The story weaves in real life incidents in post apartheid South Africa and paints a picture of how, in atoning for an injustice done, often another injustice is perpetrated.
April 25, 2020
After the first book I again expected a WOW. Disappointing. While the basic story was good, it was too political for me.
September 27, 2015
Thank you to the wonderful facebook bookclub group TBC for a copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is the follow up to A Beautiful Family which is also excellent, although it can be read as a stand alone.
It focuses on Annamari, who, due to a teenage affair with Alan Silverman, makes choices that affect her family for generations to come. This book is set in South Africa during the years of Apartheid and beyond. I love the way it incorporates the political situation into the story and examines how it affects both blacks and whites and those who are not quite 'black' or 'white' enough to fit into the roles society deemed them to belong.
I particularly liked the character of Beauty, the young uneducated black girl who works for Annamari's family but who is taken into the fold of the family, educated and cared for by them, and manages to successfully forge her own way in life. The effects of positive discrimination and how this impacted negatively on some white families, are examined and shows there are consequences for both sides, fairly and unfairly. Different perspectives are given and make for an extremely interesting, human, insight into South African society over the years.
Definitely recommend this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is the follow up to A Beautiful Family which is also excellent, although it can be read as a stand alone.
It focuses on Annamari, who, due to a teenage affair with Alan Silverman, makes choices that affect her family for generations to come. This book is set in South Africa during the years of Apartheid and beyond. I love the way it incorporates the political situation into the story and examines how it affects both blacks and whites and those who are not quite 'black' or 'white' enough to fit into the roles society deemed them to belong.
I particularly liked the character of Beauty, the young uneducated black girl who works for Annamari's family but who is taken into the fold of the family, educated and cared for by them, and manages to successfully forge her own way in life. The effects of positive discrimination and how this impacted negatively on some white families, are examined and shows there are consequences for both sides, fairly and unfairly. Different perspectives are given and make for an extremely interesting, human, insight into South African society over the years.
Definitely recommend this book.
March 31, 2016
Lets start with what I really enjoyed about this book: lots of twists and turns, many of which I did not see coming, and imperfect characters - so wonderfully flawed and real that they walked off the page. I loved the background on farming in a small town, and found it to be very insightful and accurate regarding the relationship between farm owners and their workers, during and following Apartheid. Cohen De Villiers has great skill with revisiting the past and bringing it to life.
My only negative comment would be regarding the main character, Annamari. I found it difficult to relate to her, and found her quite unlikeable at times. Maybe that was the point though. As much as I struggled to understand her and her motives at times, I really liked how unapologetically flawed she was. All in all a very enjoyable read.
My only negative comment would be regarding the main character, Annamari. I found it difficult to relate to her, and found her quite unlikeable at times. Maybe that was the point though. As much as I struggled to understand her and her motives at times, I really liked how unapologetically flawed she was. All in all a very enjoyable read.
October 17, 2015
I received this as an arc from the book Club (TBC) In exchange for an honest review.
When Annamari's son falls in love with his real father's daughter, how far will she go to hide her secret past?
Fantastic read. I found with this read I enjoyed it more if I took my time. l loved the story although Anna Should have been honest at the start but she had her reasons.
It was a lovely Story. I loved the characters except Steven. l loved the ending too and I'm glad Arno was happy in the end I really felt for him. I would highly recommend this book.
When Annamari's son falls in love with his real father's daughter, how far will she go to hide her secret past?
Fantastic read. I found with this read I enjoyed it more if I took my time. l loved the story although Anna Should have been honest at the start but she had her reasons.
It was a lovely Story. I loved the characters except Steven. l loved the ending too and I'm glad Arno was happy in the end I really felt for him. I would highly recommend this book.
September 26, 2015
How a marriage that was based on a lie comes back to destroy a family. Location South Africa and really enjoyed the historical aspect of this novel and thank you Marilyn Cohen de Villiers for including a glossary. 3.8
August 19, 2016
Need to have knowledge of and understand South Africa. Way too predictable. Had a chuckle with the afrikaansisms.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews