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When Lions Roared: How Brave Young People Defied Apartheid
On a winter’s day in 1968, in a town in South Africa, a nineteen-year-old medical student changed the course of his country’s history. Steve Biko’s philosophy of Black Consciousness would inspire thousands of black students to demand an equal education.
In this wide-ranging history and analysis, Manju Soni melds her own personal history with the growth of the youth movement against apartheid. She chronicles that movement’s evolution from the sporadic protests of the Soweto Uprising, to the emergence of a national youth movement with over a million members.
Delving deep into the archives of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, she profiles in chilling detail the individuals in the apartheid government who made assassination a key tool of state policy.
This story captures the power and desire of young black South Africans to become the agents of change. It is essential reading for readers of all ages, regardless of race.
In this wide-ranging history and analysis, Manju Soni melds her own personal history with the growth of the youth movement against apartheid. She chronicles that movement’s evolution from the sporadic protests of the Soweto Uprising, to the emergence of a national youth movement with over a million members.
Delving deep into the archives of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, she profiles in chilling detail the individuals in the apartheid government who made assassination a key tool of state policy.
This story captures the power and desire of young black South Africans to become the agents of change. It is essential reading for readers of all ages, regardless of race.
- GenresNonfiction
109 pages, ebook
Published June 13, 2016
About the author
Manju Soni
2 books12 followersManju Soni's (pen name MJ Soni) heartwarming debut, the Masala Chai Mystery Club, is to be released in July 2026.
It’s a murder mystery about badass diverse women, featuring a saree-wearing amateur sleuth, warm communities, and a dash of humor, and draws upon her love of the culture and cuisine of her diverse Indian, African, and American background.
She is also the author of DEFYING APARTHEID, her part-memoir about being a doctor activist in apartheid South Africa.
Book club visits are one of my favorite things to do so feel free to get in touch.
It’s a murder mystery about badass diverse women, featuring a saree-wearing amateur sleuth, warm communities, and a dash of humor, and draws upon her love of the culture and cuisine of her diverse Indian, African, and American background.
She is also the author of DEFYING APARTHEID, her part-memoir about being a doctor activist in apartheid South Africa.
Book club visits are one of my favorite things to do so feel free to get in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 5, 2018
"White doctors were not expected to pass the exam before being admitted to the department. I wasn't surprised that rules were fluid, angry, yes, but not surprised. In fact, as an ophthalmologist I also learned that whites were not above accepting the corneas harvested from dead black patients when it came to organ transplants."
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads first reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This book is an interesting look at life under Apartheid and some of the organizers that helped end it. While this book talks about some of the grueling conditions of Apartheid and the people involved some parts of the book are super detailed while others felt more like a high level look.
This isn't a guide to how Apartheid ended or what I would consider a look at Apartheid 101 - this book assumes the reader has some familiarity with the idea and walks us through the lives of people who tried to oppose it. There's not a lot of context for the Soweto arrests or even much reference to Nelson Mandela and his leadership.
Overall I appreciate that this book takes a look at Apartheid in a way most history books don't. It tells stories of important people and their accomplishments that makes sense of the affects of Apartheid today. While it's not as uplifting as I was expecting it is an interesting read.
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads first reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This book is an interesting look at life under Apartheid and some of the organizers that helped end it. While this book talks about some of the grueling conditions of Apartheid and the people involved some parts of the book are super detailed while others felt more like a high level look.
This isn't a guide to how Apartheid ended or what I would consider a look at Apartheid 101 - this book assumes the reader has some familiarity with the idea and walks us through the lives of people who tried to oppose it. There's not a lot of context for the Soweto arrests or even much reference to Nelson Mandela and his leadership.
Overall I appreciate that this book takes a look at Apartheid in a way most history books don't. It tells stories of important people and their accomplishments that makes sense of the affects of Apartheid today. While it's not as uplifting as I was expecting it is an interesting read.
February 23, 2026
Well written
This book was exceptionally well-written, making it a pleasure to read. The subject matter chosen was truly engaging and held my attention throughout. I particularly appreciated the depth of historical detail that was included. It provided a rich and fascinating backdrop to the main narrative. For anyone interested in this topic, I would wholeheartedly recommend this work. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration. I found the author's approach to be both informative and enjoyable. This is a book that definitely leaves a lasting impression.
This book was exceptionally well-written, making it a pleasure to read. The subject matter chosen was truly engaging and held my attention throughout. I particularly appreciated the depth of historical detail that was included. It provided a rich and fascinating backdrop to the main narrative. For anyone interested in this topic, I would wholeheartedly recommend this work. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration. I found the author's approach to be both informative and enjoyable. This is a book that definitely leaves a lasting impression.
March 2, 2018
Amazing literary work
This book was an incredible journey through a dark time in history. The persistence, sacrifice and struggle are eloquently defined in what is now one of my favorite reads of all time.
This book was an incredible journey through a dark time in history. The persistence, sacrifice and struggle are eloquently defined in what is now one of my favorite reads of all time.
July 16, 2018
Goodreads giveaway
September 8, 2019
Very eye opening for me. I always knew things were bad there, but never completely understood what actually went on over there. Good read! Hit me hard and makes me want to learn more.
August 18, 2021
Great insight on South African history. It clearly states all the roles played by all the South African leaders and I really liked it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2018
This is a super short history/memoir of the student-uprisings that helped lead to the end of apartheid. I would have liked more -- there are a lot of people mentioned, but then it would quickly jump to another group of people. It was tricky keeping the different groups straight.
June 16, 2016
In this wide-ranging history and analysis, Manju Soni melds her own personal history with the growth of the youth movement against apartheid. She chronicles that movement’s evolution from the sporadic protests of the Soweto Uprising, to the emergence of a national youth movement with over a million members.
This story captures the power and desire of young black South Africans to become the agents of change. It is essential reading for readers of all ages, regardless of race.
This story captures the power and desire of young black South Africans to become the agents of change. It is essential reading for readers of all ages, regardless of race.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews