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This Book Betrays My Brother
What does a teenage girl do when she sees her beloved older brother commit a horrific crime? Should she report to her parents, or should she keep quiet? Should she confront him? All her life, Naledi has been in awe of Basi, her charming and outgoing older brother. They've shared their childhood, with its jokes and secrets, the alliances and stories about the community. Having reached thirteen, she is preparing to go to the school dance. Then she sees Basi commit an act that violates everything she believes about him. How will she live her life now? This coming-of-age novel brings together many social issues, peculiar not only to South Africa but elsewhere as well, in the modern class and race, young love and physical desire, homosexuality. In beautiful, lyrical, and intimate prose, Molope shows the dilemmas facing a young woman as she attempts to find her place in a new, multiracial, and dynamic nation emerging into the world after more than a century of racist colonialism. A world now dominated by men. There are no simple answers.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 17, 2020
I came into this book with high expectations after reading Kagiso Lesego Molope’s
Such a Lonely, Lovely Road
, one of my favorite books of 2020 and one of my favorite gay male romances of all time. I liked This Book Betrays My Brother though I did not love it. The novel takes place in South Africa and follows Naledi, a thirteen-year-old girl whose older brother Basi is glorified both in their family and in their broader community. Naledi does not mind how much people love her brother, as she also feels a great deal of affection for him. We witness Naledi’s coming of age, such as her growing interest in dating, until she herself sees her brother commit a horrifying act that challenges everything she thought she knew about him.
I liked the themes of patriarchy and gender in this book. Molope shows how in this South African community, boys are often valorized and given a pass just because they are boys. She highlights how women, such as Basi’s mother, are complicit in this patriarchal notion that boys and men should not be held accountable for their actions, that by virtue of their gender they are automatically decent. Living in the United States, I feel that this patriarchal notion extends across various cultures. I appreciate reading a young adult novel that takes place outside of the United States, too.
My two main critiques of this novel concern our protagonist’s passivity and the book’s plotting. While I don’t think a character has to be super agentic all of the time for a book to work, our main character, Naledi, is an observer for most of the book. She doesn’t really do much aside talk to a few friends and start dating this one guy. The spotlight is on Basi, which makes sense given the book’s premise, though I wish we could have seen more from Naledi. Furthermore, a lot of the book’s plot builds up to one central event in which Naledi witnesses her brother committing a horrible act. There’s not a lot of space in the novel for after that event. We don’t get much room to see Naledi’s coping process, how her worldview and relationships shift afterward, etc. While Molope draws a compelling overall message about patriarchy, gender, and violence, I would have liked to see more of that develop through Naledi’s perspective and characterization.
Overall, a good novel but would definitely recommend Such a Lonely, Lovely Road first. Molope published this novel several years before Such a Lonely, Lovely Road so it’s nice to see her development as a writer and I’m looking forward to reading more books by her in the future! Also, trigger warning for this novel for sexual assault.
I liked the themes of patriarchy and gender in this book. Molope shows how in this South African community, boys are often valorized and given a pass just because they are boys. She highlights how women, such as Basi’s mother, are complicit in this patriarchal notion that boys and men should not be held accountable for their actions, that by virtue of their gender they are automatically decent. Living in the United States, I feel that this patriarchal notion extends across various cultures. I appreciate reading a young adult novel that takes place outside of the United States, too.
My two main critiques of this novel concern our protagonist’s passivity and the book’s plotting. While I don’t think a character has to be super agentic all of the time for a book to work, our main character, Naledi, is an observer for most of the book. She doesn’t really do much aside talk to a few friends and start dating this one guy. The spotlight is on Basi, which makes sense given the book’s premise, though I wish we could have seen more from Naledi. Furthermore, a lot of the book’s plot builds up to one central event in which Naledi witnesses her brother committing a horrible act. There’s not a lot of space in the novel for after that event. We don’t get much room to see Naledi’s coping process, how her worldview and relationships shift afterward, etc. While Molope draws a compelling overall message about patriarchy, gender, and violence, I would have liked to see more of that develop through Naledi’s perspective and characterization.
Overall, a good novel but would definitely recommend Such a Lonely, Lovely Road first. Molope published this novel several years before Such a Lonely, Lovely Road so it’s nice to see her development as a writer and I’m looking forward to reading more books by her in the future! Also, trigger warning for this novel for sexual assault.
May 17, 2024
This author came to my attention because she was asked to leave Politics and Pen event for speaking about the situation in Gaza, her calm and to the point responses as she was escorted out made me feel that she was the kind of voice I needed to be paying attention to.
Goodreads lists this book as Young Adult, I'm not sure that when I was in that age range (12-18), I would have been able to appreciate the exercise in nuance that this book has to offer, but I certainly would have appreciated the realism of a certain situation () which was bleak but honest. I think I'll be thinking about this book for a good long while.
Goodreads lists this book as Young Adult, I'm not sure that when I was in that age range (12-18), I would have been able to appreciate the exercise in nuance that this book has to offer, but I certainly would have appreciated the realism of a certain situation () which was bleak but honest. I think I'll be thinking about this book for a good long while.
July 17, 2022
Around the World Reading Challenge: SOUTH AFRICA
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Really interesting and complex short story, exploring themes of rape culture, racism, misogyny, family loyalty, homophobia, all while coming of age. I was impressed by the ground the author covers in a relatively short book, and the ending gave me chills.
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Really interesting and complex short story, exploring themes of rape culture, racism, misogyny, family loyalty, homophobia, all while coming of age. I was impressed by the ground the author covers in a relatively short book, and the ending gave me chills.
June 21, 2020
There's a rape scene that could've been excluded, or not described as much within this book... It's not super graphic, but it still is and there was no prior warning before the scene happens.
TW: ableist slurs, underage smoking, mentions of a dead body, 17/18 year olds dating 13/14 year olds (just to be safe), mention of the word tr*nsie, sexual assault, rape culture
Note: the review has spoilers for the story and mentioned sexual assault
The writing, the description, Naledi and all the other characters within the book are so well put together! They're all such complex characters, not one of them is one dimensional, there's always more to the character.
Nadeli is the narrator of the story, she starts the story by explaining how thing went when her brother was born. Basi is introduced as a good boy, easy on the eye and very kind to his sister. His relationship with his sister is top notch. The way Naledi describes it, the way she discribe him....... I should've known I was being set up for disappointment.
I'm saddened and broken. I LOVED Basi, Naledi's brother. I was routing for him, wanted him to succeed in life because he deserved it. I was there, screaming for him to have everything he wants in life. And when he said that men hurt women and men are supposed to defend, I was like yes son. But this boy, as it turns out, is trash fire tucked in a beautiful face.
But I should've known. From the title, I should've known. The book is called This Book Betrays My Brother, and I didn't know how she does it, but I knew that it must be something bad. I mean, you can't be betraying your brother unless it's snitching coz they did something bad. And ugh, UGH!
Kagiso Lesego Molope really set me up. She really created this character so I would fall hard and route and then she ripped him from me. She shows Basi as this good boy, this respectable boy who would never—WOULD NEVER—hurt anyone. And wow, okay, like wow. I get it, I see it. It's so well executed!
This is the world, she almost seems to say. When society likes someone, when the person has created a persona that is likeable, that is trustworthy, why would anyone believe that they would hurt someone. “She walked into his car willingly”, “he walked her home though, and she said nothing”, “the clothes she was wearing” , “the way she was acting around him”, “he's such a good person, such a good boy”, “he would never”.
Ugh. UGH!
I get it. I see it. Wow.
His parents work quick to defend him, to get him AL away and protect him. They blame Naledi, they blame Moipone, but never Basi, never their golden boy. Because he's their son, he's their shining star, the future of the family. Basi is the sweet boy with the good looks and the smarts, the boy passionate about helping others. Why would he rape someone.
Like rape culture is real, and this story comes at you fast about it. I honestly assumed Basi killed someone, but nope, he raped a girl. And then the aunties of the community come at this poor girl, call her a liar, say she knew what she as doing because she was wearing a short skirt, a sexy top. They call her names, shame her so hard that she leaved the community. They don't protect her, don't speak up for her, because why would Basi rape her. It's just, I'm angry because this is what happens, this is how it happens. Rape culture is real and it sucks and I wish it would end.
Basi continues to live the good life while Moipone suffers, while his sister has to live with shame because she said something. Naledi becomes the villain, Moipone becomes the villain, Ole becomes the villian and sweet Basi is the victim. It's rape culture at its finest and it SUCKS!
This book so good, it's so well written and wow, just wow!
TW: ableist slurs, underage smoking, mentions of a dead body, 17/18 year olds dating 13/14 year olds (just to be safe), mention of the word tr*nsie, sexual assault, rape culture
Note: the review has spoilers for the story and mentioned sexual assault
The writing, the description, Naledi and all the other characters within the book are so well put together! They're all such complex characters, not one of them is one dimensional, there's always more to the character.
Nadeli is the narrator of the story, she starts the story by explaining how thing went when her brother was born. Basi is introduced as a good boy, easy on the eye and very kind to his sister. His relationship with his sister is top notch. The way Naledi describes it, the way she discribe him....... I should've known I was being set up for disappointment.
I'm saddened and broken. I LOVED Basi, Naledi's brother. I was routing for him, wanted him to succeed in life because he deserved it. I was there, screaming for him to have everything he wants in life. And when he said that men hurt women and men are supposed to defend, I was like yes son. But this boy, as it turns out, is trash fire tucked in a beautiful face.
But I should've known. From the title, I should've known. The book is called This Book Betrays My Brother, and I didn't know how she does it, but I knew that it must be something bad. I mean, you can't be betraying your brother unless it's snitching coz they did something bad. And ugh, UGH!
Kagiso Lesego Molope really set me up. She really created this character so I would fall hard and route and then she ripped him from me. She shows Basi as this good boy, this respectable boy who would never—WOULD NEVER—hurt anyone. And wow, okay, like wow. I get it, I see it. It's so well executed!
This is the world, she almost seems to say. When society likes someone, when the person has created a persona that is likeable, that is trustworthy, why would anyone believe that they would hurt someone. “She walked into his car willingly”, “he walked her home though, and she said nothing”, “the clothes she was wearing” , “the way she was acting around him”, “he's such a good person, such a good boy”, “he would never”.
Ugh. UGH!
I get it. I see it. Wow.
His parents work quick to defend him, to get him AL away and protect him. They blame Naledi, they blame Moipone, but never Basi, never their golden boy. Because he's their son, he's their shining star, the future of the family. Basi is the sweet boy with the good looks and the smarts, the boy passionate about helping others. Why would he rape someone.
Like rape culture is real, and this story comes at you fast about it. I honestly assumed Basi killed someone, but nope, he raped a girl. And then the aunties of the community come at this poor girl, call her a liar, say she knew what she as doing because she was wearing a short skirt, a sexy top. They call her names, shame her so hard that she leaved the community. They don't protect her, don't speak up for her, because why would Basi rape her. It's just, I'm angry because this is what happens, this is how it happens. Rape culture is real and it sucks and I wish it would end.
Basi continues to live the good life while Moipone suffers, while his sister has to live with shame because she said something. Naledi becomes the villain, Moipone becomes the villain, Ole becomes the villian and sweet Basi is the victim. It's rape culture at its finest and it SUCKS!
This book so good, it's so well written and wow, just wow!
March 23, 2023
This week, we were teaching in person-back in my classrooms with my ELA students and our sacred reading time. My first book selection was by Kagiso Lesego Molope and it drew me in so quickly that often a student needed to whisper my name that we had gone past our 15-minute reading time. So good and also hard to read especially when we get to the climax of the story. It's definitely going to stick with me.
Goodreads review re- published 23/03/23
Goodreads review re- published 23/03/23
July 4, 2018
I didn't read anything about this book before diving in (not even the blurb on the back) but even if you do, the ending will still hit you like a wrecking ball. So much "realistic" YA only captures North American teen experiences and this was an eye-opening, gripping, beautifully written look at growing up in South Africa in the early 90s.
Read
September 18, 2018ARC provided by publisher
Slowly but surely more YA books from outside the US are being published here and I am ready for it. Kagiso Lesego Molope’s “This Book Betrays My Brother,” originally published in South Africa, is evidence that we need books that give us a window into life in another country. Molope’s novel gives us a glimpse of the lives of privilege Black South Africans, specifically what life was like in the first years after apartheid ended. The novel focuses on Naledi’s emergence into womanhood as she navigates romantic relationships, old and new friendships, and deal with living in the shadow of a superstar brother. Additionally, she desires to follow the rules set by her strict mother but also wants to be a modern girl enjoying her teenage years. To add to all of this turmoil her life, Naledi’s brother, whom she’s always been close to, has drifted away from her spending more time with his friends and his new girlfriend. What I enjoyed most about this novel is that Naledi felt like one of my students which just shows that the turbulent lives contemporary teenagers live is universal. Sometimes Naledi could be a brat to her brother which really warmed me to their relationship and really emphasized the heartbreak that she feels when she witness her brother commit a heinous act. At that point, everything Naledi has believed in is called into question and she must chose between following her family or doing what is right. I felt for her and while I disagreed with her ultimate decision, Molope spent a significant amount of time exploring all the nuances of Naledi’s life that you understand how the decision she makes and how it changes who she becomes as an adult. “This Book Betrays My Brother” is a deeply moving story that explores all types of love (family, friends, romantic) and how complicated these relationships can be.
Slowly but surely more YA books from outside the US are being published here and I am ready for it. Kagiso Lesego Molope’s “This Book Betrays My Brother,” originally published in South Africa, is evidence that we need books that give us a window into life in another country. Molope’s novel gives us a glimpse of the lives of privilege Black South Africans, specifically what life was like in the first years after apartheid ended. The novel focuses on Naledi’s emergence into womanhood as she navigates romantic relationships, old and new friendships, and deal with living in the shadow of a superstar brother. Additionally, she desires to follow the rules set by her strict mother but also wants to be a modern girl enjoying her teenage years. To add to all of this turmoil her life, Naledi’s brother, whom she’s always been close to, has drifted away from her spending more time with his friends and his new girlfriend. What I enjoyed most about this novel is that Naledi felt like one of my students which just shows that the turbulent lives contemporary teenagers live is universal. Sometimes Naledi could be a brat to her brother which really warmed me to their relationship and really emphasized the heartbreak that she feels when she witness her brother commit a heinous act. At that point, everything Naledi has believed in is called into question and she must chose between following her family or doing what is right. I felt for her and while I disagreed with her ultimate decision, Molope spent a significant amount of time exploring all the nuances of Naledi’s life that you understand how the decision she makes and how it changes who she becomes as an adult. “This Book Betrays My Brother” is a deeply moving story that explores all types of love (family, friends, romantic) and how complicated these relationships can be.
May 14, 2018
See even more book reviews at: http://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile.com/
This Book Betrays My Brother follows the narrative of a teenage girl name Naledi. The story is told from Naledi’s perspective and focuses on her older bother Basi. They live a relatively good life in a nice house, but Naledi reminiscences about the older days when things were different. Basi hangs out with Kgosi, a boy who their mother thinks is not from a good crowd. On top of that, her brother’s brash actions cause trouble for the family.
As we see Basi and Naledi get older, they also somewhat drift apart from each other due to the small age gap and them spending less time with each other. Basi hangs out more with Kgosi and friends and Naledi feels a bit left-behind as the secrets grow between the two. She doesn’t understand why her brother won’t confide in her anymore. The title stood out in my mind has the reader shrouded in a bit of mystery during the entire story wondering, what will Basi do?
When you finally find out the truth, you learn that what Basi does is unforgivable. I understand why the title book is the way it is and how the structure of the story was set up. It was written almost like a diary of events and I was constantly wondering what would happen next. Naledi looks up to her bother so much but her image is shattered after she witnesses something horrible. I also like how the author brings up issues violence against women, sexism, masculinity, prejudice, and racism among other topics. The book is quite heavy in subject, but has very important narrative and brings awareness to social issues.
Trigger Warnings: rape, death, sexual harassment/abuse
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Mawenzi Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This Book Betrays My Brother follows the narrative of a teenage girl name Naledi. The story is told from Naledi’s perspective and focuses on her older bother Basi. They live a relatively good life in a nice house, but Naledi reminiscences about the older days when things were different. Basi hangs out with Kgosi, a boy who their mother thinks is not from a good crowd. On top of that, her brother’s brash actions cause trouble for the family.
As we see Basi and Naledi get older, they also somewhat drift apart from each other due to the small age gap and them spending less time with each other. Basi hangs out more with Kgosi and friends and Naledi feels a bit left-behind as the secrets grow between the two. She doesn’t understand why her brother won’t confide in her anymore. The title stood out in my mind has the reader shrouded in a bit of mystery during the entire story wondering, what will Basi do?
When you finally find out the truth, you learn that what Basi does is unforgivable. I understand why the title book is the way it is and how the structure of the story was set up. It was written almost like a diary of events and I was constantly wondering what would happen next. Naledi looks up to her bother so much but her image is shattered after she witnesses something horrible. I also like how the author brings up issues violence against women, sexism, masculinity, prejudice, and racism among other topics. The book is quite heavy in subject, but has very important narrative and brings awareness to social issues.
Trigger Warnings: rape, death, sexual harassment/abuse
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Mawenzi Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 16, 2017
A YA novel from the point of view of a young girl pulled in different directions by family loyalty, morality, culture, and her own intuition. Naledi is growing up in a country trying to find its new shape, following the advent of a hard-won democacy – this is South Africa in the mid 1990s, when the nation’s recent oppressors still have far too much clout (a boy is stood down from a rugby match against a white school).
Forbidden subjects and family expectation weigh heavily, but Naledi has a strong if troublesome sense of right and wrong; in a world so ordered that the blessed, those born bright and beautiful, like her illustrious, universally loved and admired older brother, are untouchable, can she find the courage to speak up when she witnesses wrong? How will she bear the subsequent pain if she does?
A powerful YA novel, first published in 2012, and still relevant now.
Forbidden subjects and family expectation weigh heavily, but Naledi has a strong if troublesome sense of right and wrong; in a world so ordered that the blessed, those born bright and beautiful, like her illustrious, universally loved and admired older brother, are untouchable, can she find the courage to speak up when she witnesses wrong? How will she bear the subsequent pain if she does?
A powerful YA novel, first published in 2012, and still relevant now.
April 27, 2019
Its been a long time since I've read a YA novel (never has it been a genre I am particularly fond of) and to find this book as assigned reading for my postcolonial class was quite surprising. Not only does it camouflages itself as a YA novel, one could also argue that the themes found in it is more profound than your average young teen grappling with puberty, love and all that jazz. What we have here is a mystery, identity crises, sexuality and sexual harassment, feminism, a lil bit of African history and culture, but most importantly, or rather, the central theme binding everything, family. This is a novel which will stay in the depths of my mind for a long time to come.
January 30, 2019
Kagiso has won my heart as one of my favorite authors
July 14, 2018
This book surely speaks to the experience of most women. Whether a woman has been a victim of sexual assault, a witness to it or its consequences, or has simply felt pressure to play an expected social role, the story will resonate with a female reader. The voice is honest, and the author resists an ending that passes judgment or simplifies the experiences of the characters.
I checked this out of the library. but I want to buy a copy for my daughter - and my son.
I checked this out of the library. but I want to buy a copy for my daughter - and my son.
January 15, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This Book Betrays My Brother was such a good book and the narrator did an amazing job as well. Even though it's set in a South African community, it doesn't really shy away from everyday problems we see anywhere else. Boys will be boys and honestly - we are sick of it.
So it was shocking to see that Basi's mother of all people didn't hold her own son accountable for anything. Especially when it came to a possible rape. Then there's Naledi, who saw her own brother committing the horrible deed, and she was just a bystander throughout the book. I really would've liked diving into her POV more because we don't get that much from her. It definitely would've been nice to see how she coped with everything after that event instead of what we got.
In the end, it was still a good book and I'm glad that I got the chance to dive into it.
This Book Betrays My Brother was such a good book and the narrator did an amazing job as well. Even though it's set in a South African community, it doesn't really shy away from everyday problems we see anywhere else. Boys will be boys and honestly - we are sick of it.
So it was shocking to see that Basi's mother of all people didn't hold her own son accountable for anything. Especially when it came to a possible rape. Then there's Naledi, who saw her own brother committing the horrible deed, and she was just a bystander throughout the book. I really would've liked diving into her POV more because we don't get that much from her. It definitely would've been nice to see how she coped with everything after that event instead of what we got.
In the end, it was still a good book and I'm glad that I got the chance to dive into it.
December 11, 2019
Powerful gripping book. I got to know of Kagiso after attending Singapore Writers Festival 2019 and she did a reading of one of the most powerful chapters in the book. I was intrigued and decided to read her book and this did not disappoint. Will look forward to further works of hers.
September 17, 2014
Well narrated story that raises a very important and relevant discussion in our times.
Basimane (17) a boy loved and trusted by his family and community. Captaining a rugby team of his high school, he misses the biggest game of his life where national selectors are in attendance for the sole reason 'the other school rugby team will not play against a black man'. Instead of his team and coach fighting for him, they remove him and tell him 'hard luck'.
Basi as he is known is friends with Kgosi, igazi lakhe from the times where he still stayed ekasi before moving to the suburbs. Kgosi is not very liked by Basi's mom as his mom had been serving a prison term for killing his father, who was a beloved comrade in the Marapong community. After she had been released from prison, Basi and Kgosi arranged a party for her and many ppl came and enjoyed themselves. it is on that day that Naledi, Basi's younger sister changed how she looked at her brother for life. it is on that dat that they left the party a lil earlier with Basi's beautiful girlfriend Moipone. It is the day where Naledi would see Basi forcing himself on Moipone.
When Naledi partially confessed to her friend, a lesbian, Olebogeng that the Moipone's version of the story was true, its the day Moipone and her mom gathers strength to go to the police and report the incident. But the well connected Basi's family are able to make the entire story disappear and Basi moves to Cape Town where he completes matric and later becomes a lawyer. But Moipone, the events of that day haunts her for life. Unfortunately no one except her mom believes that she was raped, and some people tell her she was lucky to be raped by Basi whilst others asked who was she to be raped by Basi?
This easy read opens ones eyes and is key especially to young people as they go through such stages, of parties and having to have sex for the first time.
Basimane (17) a boy loved and trusted by his family and community. Captaining a rugby team of his high school, he misses the biggest game of his life where national selectors are in attendance for the sole reason 'the other school rugby team will not play against a black man'. Instead of his team and coach fighting for him, they remove him and tell him 'hard luck'.
Basi as he is known is friends with Kgosi, igazi lakhe from the times where he still stayed ekasi before moving to the suburbs. Kgosi is not very liked by Basi's mom as his mom had been serving a prison term for killing his father, who was a beloved comrade in the Marapong community. After she had been released from prison, Basi and Kgosi arranged a party for her and many ppl came and enjoyed themselves. it is on that day that Naledi, Basi's younger sister changed how she looked at her brother for life. it is on that dat that they left the party a lil earlier with Basi's beautiful girlfriend Moipone. It is the day where Naledi would see Basi forcing himself on Moipone.
When Naledi partially confessed to her friend, a lesbian, Olebogeng that the Moipone's version of the story was true, its the day Moipone and her mom gathers strength to go to the police and report the incident. But the well connected Basi's family are able to make the entire story disappear and Basi moves to Cape Town where he completes matric and later becomes a lawyer. But Moipone, the events of that day haunts her for life. Unfortunately no one except her mom believes that she was raped, and some people tell her she was lucky to be raped by Basi whilst others asked who was she to be raped by Basi?
This easy read opens ones eyes and is key especially to young people as they go through such stages, of parties and having to have sex for the first time.
July 1, 2014
This is a powerful book, written in Lesego Molope's usual, flowing, easy reading prose. The author takes on prejudice against lesbians, violence towards women, and, more important and more sinister, entrenched attitudes towards relationships between men and women, and adolescent boys and girls. It also questions the nature of unquestioning loyalty and love and the ways in which parents bring up their sons. It is a brave work - at least in a local context - that should stimulate discussion in classrooms and on playing fields across the country. Careful guidance is necessary, though, to uncover the many prejudices voiced in the book, which may not always be questioned by inexperienced readers.
May 9, 2022
Trigger Warnings: ableist slurs, underage smoking, brief mentions of a dead body, 17/18 year olds dating 13/14 year olds (just to be safe), LGBTQIA+ slurs (mention of the word tr*nsie) ,
Note 1: it's in spoiler because it answers the title of the book. Note 2: i copied pasted this from this review because it was a comprehensive one. Credits to them! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I went to this book with absolutely no expectations as I have never heard of it nor the author. It was one of the book picks for this Audiobooksync 2022 edtion, and the titled intrigued me. So i dove right in.
I just really love how the author decided to tell the story because it seemed so friendly like having a time with someone and hearing a recounted experience from them. Because this story begins really at the beginning with a contextualization of the importance of Naledi brother's birth, we get to have a well round characterization of everyone: him, the parents, Naledi herself, as she is exploring her childhood and teenage years. In my opinion, this contributed heavily to have multidimensional characters that aren't defined by only one thing. In addition, the setting, the description of the place at the beginning were really captivating and really set up the story.
On the other hand, this also depicts how, despite different places and contexts, sadly protecting always the male opinion, or having assumptions that when something happens to a girl, it is almost disregarded is so infuriating and the author really shows this. How nothing could be wrong with the golden boy who is blessed by everyone , how everyone side eyes those who are not on the boy's side, how it can be so isolating having everyone not trusting someone. Also feelings that Naledi was dealing with, felt so organic and raw. It was an experience.
I'm really thankful for this book being on my radar by
Note 1: it's in spoiler because it answers the title of the book. Note 2: i copied pasted this from this review because it was a comprehensive one. Credits to them! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I like to imagine that there are people in the world for whom uncomplicated truths remain. These people may go to the end of their lives without having these truths tested–without ever losing a grip on the things they’ve always counted on. Without feeling that deeply disconcerting sense of their world crumbling around them.
I went to this book with absolutely no expectations as I have never heard of it nor the author. It was one of the book picks for this Audiobooksync 2022 edtion, and the titled intrigued me. So i dove right in.
I just really love how the author decided to tell the story because it seemed so friendly like having a time with someone and hearing a recounted experience from them. Because this story begins really at the beginning with a contextualization of the importance of Naledi brother's birth, we get to have a well round characterization of everyone: him, the parents, Naledi herself, as she is exploring her childhood and teenage years. In my opinion, this contributed heavily to have multidimensional characters that aren't defined by only one thing. In addition, the setting, the description of the place at the beginning were really captivating and really set up the story.
On the other hand, this also depicts how, despite different places and contexts, sadly protecting always the male opinion, or having assumptions that when something happens to a girl, it is almost disregarded is so infuriating and the author really shows this. How nothing could be wrong with the golden boy who is blessed by everyone , how everyone side eyes those who are not on the boy's side, how it can be so isolating having everyone not trusting someone. Also feelings that Naledi was dealing with, felt so organic and raw. It was an experience.
I'm really thankful for this book being on my radar by
It’s family history that matters. Family stories, as told by the women who lived them, are what they say is closest to the truth.
April 11, 2023
The people we love can do awful things. How can one criticize a family member who has done wrong by someone who is not in the family without appearing to betray them? This book delves deep into this question.
It is so refreshing to read a young adult book from countries outside the US. Our kids require works that provide us with a window into life in other nations, as demonstrated by "This Book Betrays My Brother" by Kagiso Lesego Molope, which was first published in South Africa. In particular, the first few years after apartheid ended and the lives of privileged Black South Africans are depicted in Molope's book. The main theme of the book is Naledi's transition into womanhood as she manages sexual relationships, long-standing friendships, and dealing with having a famous brother as a role model.
This is the tale of a sister who idolizes her brother and later sees a more sinister side of him. Kagiso Lesego Molope succeeds in describing the familial and cultural institutions that shape her brother Basimane into the man and the things he is capable of in this lovely yet heartbreaking book.
The book's social mobility politics highlight the tense situation in which some black South Africans find themselves. To the dismay of his mother, Basimane, more than anyone else in the family, maintains a deep connection to the "genuine" township despite moving their family from the less affluent area of the neighborhood into the more affluent area. Both ordinary conversation and fiction fail to appropriately address the divisions that class causes among black South Africans. New neighbors, a new relationship with the township one is from, and the people who live there are just a few of the many changes that must be managed when black families leave the township.
The author draws attention to the ways that society and families raise males. This book reveals the inherent unfairness of the gender system that exists in our society, a system in which women are already at a disadvantage simply by virtue of their gender. Laugh-it-off expressions like "boys will be boys," which support damaging behavior, encapsulate this built-in system of preserving male privilege at the expense of women. This South African tale highlights the problematic gender dynamics in our country. I was left with the impression that there is still much to be done to undo gender bias after reading this narrative.
**Can be used in a classroom but contains some sensitive content.
It is so refreshing to read a young adult book from countries outside the US. Our kids require works that provide us with a window into life in other nations, as demonstrated by "This Book Betrays My Brother" by Kagiso Lesego Molope, which was first published in South Africa. In particular, the first few years after apartheid ended and the lives of privileged Black South Africans are depicted in Molope's book. The main theme of the book is Naledi's transition into womanhood as she manages sexual relationships, long-standing friendships, and dealing with having a famous brother as a role model.
This is the tale of a sister who idolizes her brother and later sees a more sinister side of him. Kagiso Lesego Molope succeeds in describing the familial and cultural institutions that shape her brother Basimane into the man and the things he is capable of in this lovely yet heartbreaking book.
The book's social mobility politics highlight the tense situation in which some black South Africans find themselves. To the dismay of his mother, Basimane, more than anyone else in the family, maintains a deep connection to the "genuine" township despite moving their family from the less affluent area of the neighborhood into the more affluent area. Both ordinary conversation and fiction fail to appropriately address the divisions that class causes among black South Africans. New neighbors, a new relationship with the township one is from, and the people who live there are just a few of the many changes that must be managed when black families leave the township.
The author draws attention to the ways that society and families raise males. This book reveals the inherent unfairness of the gender system that exists in our society, a system in which women are already at a disadvantage simply by virtue of their gender. Laugh-it-off expressions like "boys will be boys," which support damaging behavior, encapsulate this built-in system of preserving male privilege at the expense of women. This South African tale highlights the problematic gender dynamics in our country. I was left with the impression that there is still much to be done to undo gender bias after reading this narrative.
**Can be used in a classroom but contains some sensitive content.
November 18, 2020
As you can likely tell from the title, “This Book Betrays My Brother” reveals a secret to the readers.
All her life, our protagonist, Naledi, has had a wonderful connection with her older brother, Basi. And they seemingly lead a charmed life as teens, having moved up in social class (and even a neighborhood), thanks to their father’s success in post-Apartheid South Africa.
But life is not always what it seems when you’re wealthy. There are still complicated issues to contend with.
This short story is about typical coming-of-age topics: teenage crushes, first kisses, getting to “second base,” being asked to the big dance, trying out for sport teams and sneaking around with kids from the “wrong side of the tracks.” But it’s also about more complicated, heavy issues facing young adults, including: coming out, classism, racism and rape.
The challenge for Naledi is that she witnesses her brother’s crime at the young age of 13. A brother that she’s looked up to, and that her parents and the community adores. Now she must decide whether to remain loyal or tell the truth.
Thanks to ECW Press Audio, I listened to the newly released audiobook read by the talented Jacqui Du Toit. I also followed along in a printed copy of the book, which debuted in 2018. Jacqui has a beautiful voice and her narration helped me to understand the pronunciations, accents and intonations of each character. The South African-born author, Kagiso Lesego Molope, has won several awards for her lyrical prose and Jacqui does the text justice.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
Winner of the Ottawa Book Award, English Fiction, 2019
Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2018
Named to the Globe 100, 2018
CBC Books, Top YA Pick for 2018
Named to Best Books for Kids and Teens, Fall 2018
Named to Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books, 2018
All her life, our protagonist, Naledi, has had a wonderful connection with her older brother, Basi. And they seemingly lead a charmed life as teens, having moved up in social class (and even a neighborhood), thanks to their father’s success in post-Apartheid South Africa.
But life is not always what it seems when you’re wealthy. There are still complicated issues to contend with.
This short story is about typical coming-of-age topics: teenage crushes, first kisses, getting to “second base,” being asked to the big dance, trying out for sport teams and sneaking around with kids from the “wrong side of the tracks.” But it’s also about more complicated, heavy issues facing young adults, including: coming out, classism, racism and rape.
The challenge for Naledi is that she witnesses her brother’s crime at the young age of 13. A brother that she’s looked up to, and that her parents and the community adores. Now she must decide whether to remain loyal or tell the truth.
Thanks to ECW Press Audio, I listened to the newly released audiobook read by the talented Jacqui Du Toit. I also followed along in a printed copy of the book, which debuted in 2018. Jacqui has a beautiful voice and her narration helped me to understand the pronunciations, accents and intonations of each character. The South African-born author, Kagiso Lesego Molope, has won several awards for her lyrical prose and Jacqui does the text justice.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
Winner of the Ottawa Book Award, English Fiction, 2019
Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2018
Named to the Globe 100, 2018
CBC Books, Top YA Pick for 2018
Named to Best Books for Kids and Teens, Fall 2018
Named to Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books, 2018
October 16, 2025
I really enjoyed exploring the coming of age portion in South Africa novel. Lots of similiarities and differences between a US YA book.
Something that's, unfortunately, the same: the patriarchy. Bassi said it best when he said "we are taught that women want the same thing we want." Taught being the keyword there.
The novel, besides exploring the culture and Neddy's coming of age (sorry about spellings, I listened to it so I don't know how the names are spelled), also explores the very real world of sexual politics. And I hate to say it's exactly the same and maybe even worse in South Africa.
I haven't read Roxane Gay's "Not that Bad" or that other one....can't remember the name...but I imagine that it's very similar in terms of the issues being presented. The shaming of girls and women, the victim blaming, the implausiblity that it could be your brother/husband/father, etc. It's all of that in a fictional story that is probably all too real.
As the mother of a 17 year old boy who is coming of age himself, I find it interesting how he is processing everything around him. He told me one of his friends was upset but he felt like he couldn't comfort her because she was hurt by a boy (or man, he didn't know) in her past. And that sucks for him and it sucks for her because she feels she can't trust any male. As women, we are always on guard. Always. And Neddy found that out in the most difficult way because as much as she "betrayed" her brother, she was betrayed first. He was too. We all are by these expectations and standards that "we are taught that women want what we want."
Something that's, unfortunately, the same: the patriarchy. Bassi said it best when he said "we are taught that women want the same thing we want." Taught being the keyword there.
The novel, besides exploring the culture and Neddy's coming of age (sorry about spellings, I listened to it so I don't know how the names are spelled), also explores the very real world of sexual politics. And I hate to say it's exactly the same and maybe even worse in South Africa.
I haven't read Roxane Gay's "Not that Bad" or that other one....can't remember the name...but I imagine that it's very similar in terms of the issues being presented. The shaming of girls and women, the victim blaming, the implausiblity that it could be your brother/husband/father, etc. It's all of that in a fictional story that is probably all too real.
As the mother of a 17 year old boy who is coming of age himself, I find it interesting how he is processing everything around him. He told me one of his friends was upset but he felt like he couldn't comfort her because she was hurt by a boy (or man, he didn't know) in her past. And that sucks for him and it sucks for her because she feels she can't trust any male. As women, we are always on guard. Always. And Neddy found that out in the most difficult way because as much as she "betrayed" her brother, she was betrayed first. He was too. We all are by these expectations and standards that "we are taught that women want what we want."
May 17, 2025
This Book Betrays My Brother is set in 1990s South Africa, fresh out of apartheid. Naledi has always known that her older brother is special. Everyone in the community gushes about what a wonderful day it was the day he was born and how special her mother is to have a boy. Naledi, a few years younger, also adores and looks up to her older brother. She thinks he can do anything and she looks to him for advice and companionship.
The book takes place in the last few months before Naledi turns 14. She's growing up and gaining interest in boys and enjoying her days in high school. She has a very close friend with whom she shares everything. Her parents own and run a store in town that she is proud to help out in. All is going so well for her.
That is, until she learns something about her brother that will turn her world upside down.
I enjoyed this one. It's not light or fluffy, not by a stretch. The characters experience very hard things. But I also thought that Naledi was so well rounded, like I really knew her by the end of the book. I also enjoyed getting a look at life in 1990s South Africa, as that is something I will never experience first hand. Without glossing over truly difficult experiences in the growing/changing country, the author's love for the place shows through.
Content Heads Up:
The book takes place in the last few months before Naledi turns 14. She's growing up and gaining interest in boys and enjoying her days in high school. She has a very close friend with whom she shares everything. Her parents own and run a store in town that she is proud to help out in. All is going so well for her.
That is, until she learns something about her brother that will turn her world upside down.
I enjoyed this one. It's not light or fluffy, not by a stretch. The characters experience very hard things. But I also thought that Naledi was so well rounded, like I really knew her by the end of the book. I also enjoyed getting a look at life in 1990s South Africa, as that is something I will never experience first hand. Without glossing over truly difficult experiences in the growing/changing country, the author's love for the place shows through.
Content Heads Up:
June 5, 2022
Set in post-apartheid South Africa, this book is narrated by Naledi, a teenage girl at the cusp of womanhood. Naledi's life changes irrevocably when she witnesses a horrible crime committed by her elder brother, whom she adores and looks up to. As she oscillates between disbelief, empathy for the victim, familial loyalty and moral/ethical righteousness, we also get to witness a society fraught with issues of racism, classism, sexism, gender disparity, systemic patriarchy, objectification of women and abuse. The book provides a harrowing glimpse into the much often seen classic societal response of outlandish victim shaming when a woman accuses a powerful (socially, financially) male of violation.
As everything she believed in crumbles into dust all around her, Naledi is thrown into a vortex of painful emotions and difficult choices. Unable to confront her brother and also at the same time, unable to come into terms with the sense of betrayal, there are no simple answers for either Naledi or for the reader.
Character development is the masterstroke of this Novel. This book is a mirror to the harsh reality that we see to this day - of the society protecting its chosen sons and vilifying its daughters who choose to speak up. This is a very relevant book in the context of # Me too and raises important questions on 'consent'.
As everything she believed in crumbles into dust all around her, Naledi is thrown into a vortex of painful emotions and difficult choices. Unable to confront her brother and also at the same time, unable to come into terms with the sense of betrayal, there are no simple answers for either Naledi or for the reader.
Character development is the masterstroke of this Novel. This book is a mirror to the harsh reality that we see to this day - of the society protecting its chosen sons and vilifying its daughters who choose to speak up. This is a very relevant book in the context of # Me too and raises important questions on 'consent'.
June 1, 2023
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", this statement was what rang in my head at the time Naledi lied to her brother that she had been raped by a boyfriend while in the University. It was quite ironical the way he reacted to a man like himself hurting his sister when he had in fact done the same thing to his girlfriend, Moipone when he was younger.
Told in the POV of Naledi, who lives in the shadow of her beloved older brother, Basimane; the golden child of the family and his immediate community. The main character, Naledi goes on about the guilt she has lived with when she came upon her brother raping a girl and how that single event destroyed the once loving relationship she had with her brother as it was unbelievable that their golden child was capable of such dastardly act.
The author does so well in highlighting the patriarchy that is inherent in Africa as women are only seen as mere appendages to men and things such as rape, even marital rape is seen as a trivial matter and swept under the carpet. It seems nobody seems to understand that "rape is rape" no matter how the situation is painted.
This story is very easy to read and the author does well in bringing to a conclusion several parts of the book that you might have taught didn't have much significance until infact, it did.
Told in the POV of Naledi, who lives in the shadow of her beloved older brother, Basimane; the golden child of the family and his immediate community. The main character, Naledi goes on about the guilt she has lived with when she came upon her brother raping a girl and how that single event destroyed the once loving relationship she had with her brother as it was unbelievable that their golden child was capable of such dastardly act.
The author does so well in highlighting the patriarchy that is inherent in Africa as women are only seen as mere appendages to men and things such as rape, even marital rape is seen as a trivial matter and swept under the carpet. It seems nobody seems to understand that "rape is rape" no matter how the situation is painted.
This story is very easy to read and the author does well in bringing to a conclusion several parts of the book that you might have taught didn't have much significance until infact, it did.
February 17, 2025
‘That's the difference between Basi and anyone else. He knows. He knows it was wrong and I am willing to say that when he's alone, he calls it what it is, gives it its proper name. "Rape", not "a misunderstanding". Maybe after a glass of wine or a good laugh with Kgosi the thought creeps away, but he knows. He knows the difference.’
The story revolves around the protagonist, Naledi, and her complicated relationship with her brother, Basi, who is accused of raping a young woman, Moipone. Through Naledi's narrative, the book puts together themes of guilt, shame, and silence.The image of Moipone's scar serves as a powerful reminder of the violence she endured, while Basi's ability to "fly away" from the consequences of his actions proves the systemic injustices that promotes rape culture.
Throughout the book, the author raises important questions about loyalty, family, and the ways in which societal expectations can silence victims of trauma.
I definitely do recommend the book for anyone interested in literary fiction, feminist literature, and explorations of trauma and power dynamics.
However, please note that the book deals with mature themes, including rape and violence, and may be triggering for some readers.
The story revolves around the protagonist, Naledi, and her complicated relationship with her brother, Basi, who is accused of raping a young woman, Moipone. Through Naledi's narrative, the book puts together themes of guilt, shame, and silence.The image of Moipone's scar serves as a powerful reminder of the violence she endured, while Basi's ability to "fly away" from the consequences of his actions proves the systemic injustices that promotes rape culture.
Throughout the book, the author raises important questions about loyalty, family, and the ways in which societal expectations can silence victims of trauma.
I definitely do recommend the book for anyone interested in literary fiction, feminist literature, and explorations of trauma and power dynamics.
However, please note that the book deals with mature themes, including rape and violence, and may be triggering for some readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2020
This was a good read. Because the novel is called 'This Book Betrays My Brother' I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, so I could see just how the book betrayed the brother, and it took a while to get there (maybe I'm just impatient). The novel tells the story of Naledi, and her popular older brother, Basi. The siblings have a close bond, and are very loyal to one another. When the story finally reveals Basi's horrible crime , I was actually surprised that Naledi exposed her brother (though no one believed her). 'This Book Betrays My Brother' just re-highlighted society's penchant for excusing the behaviour of rich and privileged men .
Anyways, you should read this book if you're looking for a slow paced read, set in South Africa, with discussions about gender-based violence and class differences. While you're at it, go to my blog thelitafrican.com for more reviews.
Anyways, you should read this book if you're looking for a slow paced read, set in South Africa, with discussions about gender-based violence and class differences. While you're at it, go to my blog thelitafrican.com for more reviews.
November 22, 2020
CW: rape, rape culture, slurs about LGBTQ
The title of this book really drew me in. Set in South Africa in the 90’s. The book is told from the point of view of Naledi. She is very close with and looks up to her brother Basi, and this story revolves around their relationship and how it changes after Naledi witnesses her brother in a disturbing act.
In some ways, this book felt very much like a coming of age for Naledi. She talks about make up, boys, and hangs out with her friends. And the way they talk about boys, the author does a really good job of depicting rape culture that is so embedded where they live and in this time. It’s isn’t called out, it just is.
Naledi keeps referring to a heinous act she witnessed her brother engage in. She accidentally watched him rape a girl he was involved with. Of course, the girl is not believed. She is blamed and shamed for what Basi did. Naledi is put in the position to either publicly corroborate the victims story, or keep it to herself to protect her brother, the golden boy.
The author exposes the depth and complexity of rape culture in this community. It isn’t unlike rape culture in the US. The sexual harassment and assault, and subsequent blame of women and young girls for their own victimization. The boys just being boys trope we’ve all heard too many times. This book makes me uncomfortable, angry, and sad. And I think that’s the point.
December 26, 2020
This is a hard book to listen to. The author paints a complicated picture of a coming of age story, a relationship between a girl and the brother she looks up to, first
Loves and friendship.
The commentary on the plight of women today, especially in South Africa, makes this an important read for teenagers. What is consent? Why are women’s stories not believed, and why are they considered stories and not events and truths that happened to them.
The brother not only hurt one girl, but destroyed his own sisters trust in family and men. While all he lost was a few years of high school where he was the big fish in a little pond.
I listened to an audiobook version. The narrator was fantastic. She captured the awe, confusion and hurt of the narrator well. This would make a good discussion book at schools and a way to introduce the topic of dating violence and the double standard the girls face.
I received an early review copy for a review. I was not paid for my opinions. All thoughts are my own.
Loves and friendship.
The commentary on the plight of women today, especially in South Africa, makes this an important read for teenagers. What is consent? Why are women’s stories not believed, and why are they considered stories and not events and truths that happened to them.
The brother not only hurt one girl, but destroyed his own sisters trust in family and men. While all he lost was a few years of high school where he was the big fish in a little pond.
I listened to an audiobook version. The narrator was fantastic. She captured the awe, confusion and hurt of the narrator well. This would make a good discussion book at schools and a way to introduce the topic of dating violence and the double standard the girls face.
I received an early review copy for a review. I was not paid for my opinions. All thoughts are my own.
March 14, 2024
Molope paints a vivid picture of South Africa and there's great exploration of the themes of patriarchy, misogyny, classism, homophobia, and (to a small degree) racism in this book. But, it just didn't work for me. It's from the point-of-view of a 13/14yo girl, Nedi, who hero-worships her older brother, Basi, until she witnesses him do something horrific and how that changes her. The problem is, the horrific thing doesn't take place till pages 136-7 of the 187 page book. There's way too much setting up, and no real exploration of the aftermath. We get a couple short chapters in which there's no real discussion of Nedi's internal struggles, and then boom, we jump to the epilogue which at least a decade later. At that point, there is one conversation between Nedi and Basi and the book is over.
So, I was bored for 130 pages, then angry for 50 and boom, the book is over. So yeah, the author definitely has something to say, but imho, she never really got around to saying it. Instead, she just laid out the scene of what life was like at that time for wealthy Blacks in South Africa.
So, I was bored for 130 pages, then angry for 50 and boom, the book is over. So yeah, the author definitely has something to say, but imho, she never really got around to saying it. Instead, she just laid out the scene of what life was like at that time for wealthy Blacks in South Africa.
April 8, 2024
This is a rather heavy book. Very much dealing and sexual assault and I guess the difficult thing is our main character has a brother that everybody likes and is popular. But then he's sexually assaults a gal who probably was either bisexual or homosexual. And she actually tries going to the police and she knows that the little sister saw what had taken place with her. The little sister being our protagonist. There is definitely a quandary there as to what to do. I don't think she was fair to the woman. Being faced with that by the brother, I think she shouldn't at the very least address the brother. Why should she have to remain quiet and she's considered the one between the family if she says anything, and not the guy who actually committed the crime. Just abruptly is over. No good resolution so you don't leave the book. Feeling good. I would not recommend the book to anybody. It was an okay read but extremely uncomfortable and frustrating. It was not a pleasant read
July 28, 2021
This book was heartbreaking because this is a story of so many women and girls around the world. Place this story in any city or country and you will find people who fit these characters’ experiences. The hard truth is when you read a story like this you say, I wouldn’t have acted like the main character I would have done “xyz” differently but looking through history many people do not act with compassion or understanding but rather self preservation.
I won’t go into details but it had parallels to the book Know My Name and countless other stories of the “golden boy” who could not/would not, do such horrible things. That is must be the woman’s/girl’s fault, she misinterpreted, she wanted it, and then when that woman/girl desperately seeks out help or a voice to say “I believe you, it is not your fault” she is left alone.
I won’t go into details but it had parallels to the book Know My Name and countless other stories of the “golden boy” who could not/would not, do such horrible things. That is must be the woman’s/girl’s fault, she misinterpreted, she wanted it, and then when that woman/girl desperately seeks out help or a voice to say “I believe you, it is not your fault” she is left alone.
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